Film, Family & Culture: A Conversation With Melissa Bisagni

Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Bisagni—curator, cultural advocate, and storyteller—whose life and work revolve around lifting up Indigenous and Asian American voices through film. As the Film and Video Center Program Manager at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Festival Director of the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival, Melissa has spent nearly two decades helping others tell their stories with authenticity and heart.

We talk about growing up together, our shared roots, and how family and culture shape the way we experience and share the world. Melissa reflects on her journey—from curating films that amplify Native voices at the Smithsonian, to building community through film festivals that celebrate the richness and diversity of the Asian Pacific American experience.

This conversation is as much about movies as it is about meaning. We explore how stories connect us, why representation matters, and how Melissa sees film as a tool for empathy, healing, and celebration. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights from her work, lessons from filmmakers she’s met along the way, and honest reflections on bridging tradition with innovation.

Whether you're a filmmaker, a technologist curious about the intersections of media and culture, or someone who simply loves powerful storytelling, Melissa’s voice will leave you inspired. Join us for this heartfelt talk about family, film, and the stories that shape who we are.

Hello Friends and Family,

I have not arrived, striving toward that upward call....

Here is a study on speaking gently, with select verses from the bible.

Verses include: Proverbs 15:1 (briefly), 1 Samuel 25:21-31, Genesis 3:8-19, Genesis 4:3-12, John 9:35-28 and John 9:39-41.

In these verses we see Abigail being a great example as to how to resolve conflict, God counseling Adam and Eve; God counseling Cain, before and after his sin; Jesus speaking to the man born blind, and finally Jesus speaking with the Pharisees.

This was a challenging passage for me and I hope it encourages you.

Please subscribe to this podcast if this episode helped you.

Please share it with those who would be encouraged.

I pray this spurs you on to love and good deeds.

In Christ,

-dan

To my Beloved Listeners,

Here is a Systems Administrator's assessment of the problems with Evolution in light of Genetics and Programming.

Note: There are some errors in my talk as I did this right off the top of my head.

If you see any other errors please mention them in the comments at AddDan.com so I can make a correction.

If you would like to support our channel, here is a link to the Study bible I recommend on Amazon. If you purchase this bible or anything else on amazon through this link our channel will get a small percentage:

Hard Cover:

My hope is that you would be encouraged in your faith in through this video or convicted about your sin and turn to Jesus Christ.

May the Lord Richly Bless you and draw you closer to Himself.

AddDan.com

Welcome to the official Podcast of ADDDan.com.

We create content to help our listeners learn new things.

Below is an outline of our first episode on Autism.

My special guest is Linda Salazar. You can catch her on Twitter @LearningLinda.

Below is an outline of our conversation.

Hope this helps.

-Dan Bisagni  

LinkedIn (Best Way to Follow Me):  www.linkedin.com/in/DanielBisagni

Website: https://ADDDan.com

Where Does One Start - Episode 1 – Autism

Special Guest: Linda Salazar

Hosted by: Daniel Bisagni

Outline:

When did you learn your child had Autism?

When he was 6.

What would you tell yourself?

1. Parents, Stop and take a breath.

a. Note: Define DSM

2. Get a definition of Autism in normal language (non-Medical terms)

3. Read Good Books

a. From Parents of autistic children

b. From Autistic authors

i. EX: “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida

4. Get Support – Find your Tribe

a. Find other parents who can help

5. Celebrate Little Wins With Your Child and Community/Tribe/Support Group

6. Find Community

a. Social Media was helpful here

2-3 Years In (School Age)

7. Find an Advocate

a. Hire Child Advocates to assist you in Navigating School Systems

i. They Know the Laws

ii. They Are Less Emotional (Not their Child/less Mamma Bear Problems)

8. Find Schools Designed for Autistic / Learning Challenged Children

a. Autistic children have varying Intelligence just like normal children

i. Highly Intelligence

ii. Medium Intelligence

iii. Low Intelligence

9. Get Politically Active

a. Contact your Local/State/National Government Representatives and let them know this is a concern for you

b. They are there to serve you

10. Now Look at What Other Parents Have Tried, But Find Your Own Answers

a. Try things and don’t worry about failures

i. The benefits you and your child could see far outweigh the effort of testing