Unapologetically Asian

Unapologetically Asian

By Tiana Nguyen & Thuy NguyenSociety & Culture
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Unapologetically Asian episodes

  • 59. Natalie Tran aka CommunityChannel // Being AZN Enough & Discovering Mi Goreng

    When we were planning to create Unapologetically Asian a few years ago, we thought to ourselves 'who would be the GOLDEN PERSON to interview?’ Immediately we both said COMMUNITY CHANNEL. Fast forward two years, 1 campaign and 58 episodes later; we’re bloody proud to release this episode with the amazing Natalie Tran.

    Natalie started uploading videos to YouTube back when people posted video ‘replies’ rather than comments…what??? Although she’s not as active on the YouTube any more, her videos remain #iconic in the Australian Internet landscape. From addressing everyday first world problems to travelling the globe with The Lonely Planet (pre-covid of course) and other avenues, Natalie has really paved the way for Australian Asians in media and a place in our hearts (lol lame but we luv u Nat).

    E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

    ------------------------------------------

    • Childhood and upbringing
    • What's AZN and sticker photos?? - navigating through cultural differences
    • Tackling racism as a kid vs. adulthood
    • Embracing Australian identity and feeling Asian/not-Asian-enough
    • Maggie noodles vs. Mi Goreng
      • Asian Food > EVERYTHING ELSE
      • Using language as a way to connect with culture
      • Nat's YouTube journey
      • Shifts in Asian representation in media
      • Being okay with playing the Diversity card
      • Going to the 'Secret Asian Meeting'?? 
      • Building the Asian Australian community. 

        • ------------------------------------------

        T I M E  S T A M P S

        • 1:40 Intro to Natalie
        • 2:38 Discussion begins

          • ------------------------------------------

          Find more about Natalie below:

          • YouTube
          • Instagram
          • Twitter

            • ------------------------------------------

            Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

            🍵 East Forged: You can use code UA15 for 15% off their delicious nitro cold brewed tea.

            🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

            🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋

            If you'd like to continue the conversation, we'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au

            Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)

            ✨Music✨

            Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify

            Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube

            ---
            Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
            54 min
          • 58. Rags to Riches, Love Triangles and Second Lead Syndrome?! | Dissecting K-Dramas
            From dreamy heartthrobs to predictable yet addicting storylines where the rich, arrogant male lead falls for the plain, defiant female lead who accidentally gets kidnapped?!? Only to be found by the male and then end up in a coma?!?!? Korean dramas have captured our hearts around the world. 
            In this episode we have so much fun dissecting the common tropes of Kdramas, discuss why we love them, why they’re so damn bingeable and why they can be a lil lowkey toxic…
            Not an episode where we fangirl for 30 mins over PSJ and kdramas or do we.. just kidding :P
            E P I S O D E O U T L I N E
            ------------------------------------------
            Deep dive into the tropes that are in majority of Korean dramas
            I.e. rags to riches, love triangles, Subway (not spon), trauma, sex is a no-no, second lead syndrome
            Our fave Korean drama moments 
            Our fave Korean actors and actresses
            WHY ARE KOREAN DRAMAS SO DAMN ADDICTIVE!?!!?!
            T I M E S T A M P
            --------------------------------
            2:05 Discussion begins
            34:55 Recommendations 
            Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!
            🍵 East Forged: You can use code UA15 for 15% off their delicious nitro cold brewed tea.
            🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨
            🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋
            If you'd like to continue the conversation, we'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au
            Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)
            ✨Music✨
            Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify
            Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube
            ---
            Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
            39 min
          • 57. Diana Nguyen // Nguyen-ing It as an Asian Australian Creative Entrepreneur

            She's a creative. She's an entrepreneur. She's a creative entrepreneur!

            We have had the absolute delight of bring on board Diana Nguyen, winner of the 2020 "40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards". She's a female comedian who has a wide remit of skills under her belt, with acting, writing and directing to name a few. Catch her on LinkedIn has a video content producer and on stage as she tours Australia with her latest show 'Chasing Keanu Reeves' in 2022. 

            Putting aside her bubbly aura, we really deep dive into how Diana's Asian Australian experience has impacted her career and how family has affected her creative pursuits. The second half has us discussing the rollercoaster of a ride it took to get her Theatre and, now webseries, show called Phi and Me running and what it's like to be a LinkedIn famous influencer!

            E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

            ------------------------------------------

            • Chasing Keanu Reeves?!
            • Asian Australian Childhood trauma
            • Family and acting
            • Raising $200,000 for a web series?! Bringing Phi and Me to life
            • Becoming LinkedIn famous with #DancingDiana
            • Harsh realities of being an Asian Australian in the creative industry.

              • ------------------------------------------

              T I M E  S T A M P S 

              • 1:40 Intro to Diana
              • 2:38 Discussion begins

                • ------------------------------------------

                Find more about Diana below:

                • https://www.diananguyen.com.au/
                • LinkedIn
                • Instagram

                  • Get tickets to her latest National show, "Chasing Keanu Reeves" here!

                  ------------------------------------------

                  Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                  🍵 East Forged: You can use code UA15 for 15% off their delicious nitro cold brewed tea.

                  🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

                  🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋

                  If you'd like to continue the conversation, we'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au

                  Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)

                  ✨Music✨

                  Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify

                  Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube

                  ---
                  Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                  58 min
                • 56. Being Young Changemakers & Slaying At D1 Club, Get You A Mayor That Can Do Both // Jasmine Nguyen & Anthony Tran

                  Everybody give your ears to Australia's youngest majors in history and finest Asian Australian leaders in all the land - Madame Jasmine Nguyen & Your Worship, Anthony Tran!

                  At 23 and 24 years old, Anthony Tran (Mayor of Maribyrnong) and Jasmine Nguyen (Mayor of Brimbank) are breaking through the bamboo ceiling, paving a new road for young Asian Australians to speak up a little louder and stand a little taller in the political sphere. In a space that is traditionally regarded as "scary" and taboo, Anthony and Jasmine prove that being politically active is really approachable and just all about making tangible differences in our society.  

                  In this episode, we cover everything from their journey into politics to how they really are just normal 20 something year olds still navigating the realms of dating and clubbing. Get ready for roasts, loads of inspo & help us uncover whether we've elected a fkboi as a mayor or not 👀👀

                  You're in for a treat!


                  E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

                  ------------------------------------------

                  • The road to being Australia's youngest mayors
                  • Shout-out to DILP - Dual Identity Leadership Program
                  • Household conversations around politics
                  • Cultural overlays of politics
                  • Being Asian Australian changemakers and leaders
                  • Can you still be a mayor and public figure AND let loose at D1 and Manchuria?
                  • What's the dating life of a mayor really like?
                  • Fave parts of being mayor
                  • MAKING POLITICS GREAT AGAIN

                    • T I M E S T A M P S

                    --------------------------------



                    Find more about the mayors below:

                    Jasmine Nguyen

                    • https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/cr-jasmine-nguyen-mayor 
                    • https://www.instagram.com/asiangirltalk/


                      • Anthony Tran

                      • https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Councillors 


                        • Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                        🍵 East Forged: You can use code UA15 for 15% off their delicious nitro cold brewed tea. 

                        🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

                        🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋


                        If you'd like to continue the conversation, we'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au


                        Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)


                        ✨Music✨

                        Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify

                        Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube

                        ---
                        Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                        1 hr 8 min
                      • 55. Men Have Feelings Too ft. Mayank Sohani & Sunny Bahuguna of Bottled Up Podcast

                        Today, we're going to put the MEN in mental health 🤝

                        We're joined by the legends from Bottled Up - a podcast that aims to create conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing! Tune in as Mayank Sohani & Sunny Bahugana bring the bants, knowledge and incredible insights to the table. We unpack the gendered and cultural nuances that underpin the conversations around mental health and learn about how we all can play a role in distigmitising it.

                        Buckle up everyone, you're in for a fun ride!

                        E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

                        ------------------------------------------

                        • Bottled Up's Origin Story
                        • Mental Health from a male's perspective
                        • Language being used as a toolkit for communicating about Mental Health
                        • Gender based stereotypes in Mental Health
                        • Toxic masculinity and Asian cultural overlays
                        • Mental Health conversations growing up
                        • Intergenerational trauma and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
                        • Opening up to our parents??

                          • T I M E S T A M P S

                          --------------------------------

                          00:38 Intro to Bottled Up

                          01:16 Welcome Mayank & Sunny and discussion begins

                          49:01 Recommendations


                          ✨FOLLOW BOTTLED UP✨

                          • @bottledupaus
                          • Apple Podcasts
                          • Spotify


                            • ✨MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES✨

                            • Government support during COVID-19 
                            • Lifeline Australia: 24 Hour Crisis Line - 131 114
                            • Beyond Blue: Hotline - 1800 512 348
                            • 24/7 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
                            • Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List by Shapes & Sounds


                              • Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                              🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

                              🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋


                              If you'd like to continue the conversation, please message us. We'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check out our website www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au

                              Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)


                              ✨Music by the talented Joakim Karud✨

                              •Say Goodnight

                              •Soundcloud

                              •Spotify

                              ---
                              Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                              59 min
                            • 54. Money, Money, Money // Paridhi of SkilledSmart (Financial Education Start-Up)

                              "Oh no, that's too expensive!!" Fighting over the bill 😩 Study hard, get a good job & get rich 💸 - any of these sound familiar?

                              Believe it or not, our financial behaviours, ideas and money habits are all intrinsically linked to our cultural upbringing. In today's episode we are joined by the lovely and insightful Paridhi, founder of SkilledSmart - an Australian financial education start-up. She's helped hundreds of students become more financially free and unpack their relationship with money. Tune in as she blesses our ears with interesting insights about growing up Asian Australian and tips on how we can be more confident and control of our finances YASSSS.

                              E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

                              ------------------------------------------

                              • Growing up Indian Australian
                              • Migrant hustle
                              • The birth of SkilledSmart | Money Education
                              • Money Psychology & emotional baggage
                              • Impact of culture on how you manage your finances
                              • Return on spending ethos
                              • Tips, advice and tricks for financial freedom
                              • Why is money so heavily ingrained in Asian culture?


                                • T I M E S T A M P S

                                --------------------------------

                                00:22 Intro to Paridhi

                                35:52 Recommendations


                                Find more about Paridhi and her journey below:

                                • https://skilledsmart.com.au/ 
                                • https://www.instagram.com/skilledsmart/ 


                                  • If you'd like to continue the conversation, we'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au

                                  Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                                  🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

                                  🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋


                                  Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)

                                  ✨Music✨

                                  Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify

                                  Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube

                                  ---
                                  Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                                  42 min
                                • 53. Strangers Again - From the Chase to the Breakup

                                  It's time for a bit of a vibe check. We've covered heaps about relationships in this podcast so far, but in this episode, we really put our hearts on the table and chat about what's been going on in our own love lives 😳. 

                                  So, what's the honeymoon phase 🥰? How real is it? How much can self-sabotage affect our relationships 💔? Tune in to hear us discuss the different stages of a relationships, lessons we've learnt and how we'll use to them to approach our relationships moving forward!

                                  E P I S O D E O U T L I N E 

                                  ------------------------------------------

                                  • Going through the honeymoon phase
                                  • What an adult relationship consists of
                                  • Pop culture and environmental affects on relationships
                                  • What is self-sabotage?
                                  • Is love a choice or a feeling?
                                  • Conflict management
                                  • Expressing emotions - girls vs. boys

                                    • T I M E S T A M P S 

                                    -------------------------------- 

                                    01:22 Intro to topic 

                                    02:06 Discussion begins

                                    If you'd like to continue the conversation, please message us. We'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                                    🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨

                                    🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋 

                                    Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)  

                                    ✨Music✨ 

                                    Joakim Karud •Say Goodnight •Soundcloud •Spotify

                                    Lakey Inspired •Chill Day •YouTube

                                    ---
                                    Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                                    37 min
                                  • 52. Lose Our Jobs But Make It A $2 million Bubble Tea Start-Up // Jenny Le & Pamela Yip of Bubble Tea Club

                                    Started from the bottom and now, they're out here, grinding & creating a $2 million bubble tea revolution!

                                    After Jenny Le & Pamela Yip both lost their jobs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they discovered a sweet niche in the market for bubble tea that can be made in the comfort of your own home. Thus, The Bubble Tea Club was born - Australia's first DIY Bubble Tea Kit.

                                    In this episode, we chat to the bubbly duo about the sugary parts - the sweet success, the chewy pearls - the challenges they encountered along the way and spill a bit of boba.. I mean tea along the way ;)

                                    E P I S O D E O U T L I N E

                                    ------------------------------------------

                                    • Ice-breakers
                                    • How did BBT Club start?
                                    • Research and development
                                    • Funding/VC process
                                    • Ingredients to success
                                    • Importance of community
                                    • Challenges of being an entrepreneur and creating a start-up
                                    • Recommendations



                                      • T I M E S T A M P S
                                      --------------------------------
                                      01:01 Intro to girls
                                      01:50 Discussion
                                      42:42 Recommendations

                                      You can follow Bubble Tea Club on Instagram and check out their delicious products here.

                                      If you'd like to continue the conversation, please message us. We'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au

                                      Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors!

                                      🍨 Scoopy Milk Bar: You can use code UA15 during checkout for 15% off their menu! 🍨 

                                      🧋 Bubble Tea Club: Use code UAPOD5 at checkout for 5% off their site! 🧋


                                      Much love, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎)

                                      ✨Music✨
                                      Joakim Karud
                                      •Say Goodnight
                                      •Soundcloud
                                      •SpotifyLakey Inspired
                                      •Chill Day
                                      •YouTube

                                      ---
                                      Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                                      52 min
                                    • 51. Happy Lunar New Year, We Hope You Get Rich
                                      Chuc Mung Nam Moi ya'll, we're coming at you hot with an episode from our archives - EP 8. OMG, you're so CulTurEd: Asian Australian Traditions We Grew Up With. It's an oldie but a goldie. Tune in to hear us explore the different traditions and customs we face yearly and hold true to us dearly. It's through these experiences that have made and shaped us into who we are today and we hope you can relate or learn something new! We recognise we only repped a Vietnamese Australian experience, so slide into our dms ;) and let us know what you've been celebrating and traditions you've grown up with in your household!
                                      E P I S O D E O U T L I N E
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      •How religion plays into our lives
                                      •Religious practices we partake in
                                      •How culture has mixed in with religion
                                      •Celebrating death anniversaries with a family gathering and traditional food
                                      •Asian weddings vs. Western weddings
                                      •Lunar New year
                                      •Receiving red pockets
                                      •Continuing cultural traditions as we grow older
                                      --------------------------------------
                                      We'd love to know your thoughts about this topic as well, feel free to check out our website https://www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au/or follow us and slide into our dms on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallyazn/
                                      Stay safe and healthy, ♥︎ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌︎) 
                                      ✨Music by the talented Joakim Karud✨ •Say Goodnight 
                                      ---
                                      Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                                      37 min
                                    • 50. Barbie Dolls & Detained in China?! Reviewing Asian World News

                                      We thought we’d do something a little different in this quick episode and dive in to some Worldly News! Of course in theme with the podcast, we’ve chosen two articles within the Asian Diaspora landscape; one that’s a bit more hard hitting 😖and another article with some Good News feels to finish it off 🥳. Listen in as we break down the tension between National governments after the arrest of Asian Australian journalist Cheng Lei and how representation in the form of Barbie Dolls will have a lasting impact on the growing mindset of future generations. Disclaimer!!: We are not subject experts in politics or economics and this is just our understanding of the articles covered. We are always open to learning and educating ourselves so please reach out if you’ve got any thoughts or comments on this episode, we’d love to hear your feedback! <3  E P I S O D E O U T L I N E  ------------------------------------------  • The detainment of Journalist Cheng Lei  • Australian-Chinese political tension  • Barbie’s #ThankYouHeroes collection  • Keeping the conversation going! - Taking a stand against Anti-Asian Hate Crimes.  T I M E S T A M P S  --------------------------------  00:24 Intro  01:25 Discussion begins  14:56 Recommendations  Link to Articles referred can be found below:  • ABC News: “Australian journalist Cheng Lei's friends call for release from Chinese detention one year after arrest”  • NextShark: “Barbie designs doll after Asian American healthcare worker Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz for #ThankYouHeroes”  If you'd like to continue the convo, we’d love to hear from you! Slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or check us out at https://www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au/ 🍨 Thank you so much to Scoopy Milkbar for sponsoring this episode.  You can use our code UA10 during checkout for 10% off their menu! 🍨 Much love, ♥️ Thuy and Tiana (UA ✌)  ✨Music✨ Joakim Karud - Say Goodnight Lakey Inspired - Chill Day

                                      ---
                                      Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unapologeticallyasian/message
                                      21 min

                                    About Unapologetically Asian

                                    From the publisher's feed

                                    Hosted by your girls - Thuy & Tiana, this is a podcast where we have honest, candid conversations about adulting, careers, relationships and everything in-between.