In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by our returning guest Mike Curato. Mike is an acclaimed author and illustrator known for his children's books and graphic novels. He shares about his latest book launch "Gaysians", an adult graphic novel highlighting the lives of diverse queer Asian characters.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The journey of creating Gaysians and writing/illustrating complex, personal topics at the intersection of Asian & queer identities, chosen families, self-discovery, and communal care
• Embracing the human spirit through Kintsugi and drawing inspiration from the process of breaking and mending
• Challenges of queer Asian representation in media and literature
• Importance of speaking out and creating more representative materials
• Role of joy in healing and mending our communities

 

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @mike_curato
• Website: MikeCurato.com

 

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Dr. Varuna Srinivasan.  Dr. Varuna Srinivasan is a queer physician and public health expert from Johns Hopkins who's revolutionizing healthcare access for underserved communities.  Her work includes developing Planned Parenthood's first Asian American abortion toolkit, serving as Allure's sex columnist, and being the CEO of sexual wellness platform Fluid Health. You can learn more about Fluid Health at myfluidhealth.com

 

In this episode, we chat about:

• How systemic and societal neglect create healthcare barriers for women, queer, and minority patients.
• Using the biopsychosocial approach as a holistic model that integrates mind, body, and environment.
• How Fluid Health improves care by connecting women and sexual minorities with specialized sex therapists.
• The importance of better sex education, labor rights, and healthcare access.
• How Intersectionality in healthcare should prioritize collective care, joy, and systemic reform.

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @drvarunasrinivasan
• LinkedIn: @varunasrinivasan

 

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Mike Talplacido. Mike Talplacido is a queer Filipino-American artist based in North Carolina. He is the author of Kiss My Mike, a memoir detailing his life as a gay Filipino immigrant navigating self-discovery and acceptance in America.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Acceptance and what it means to be gay in an immigrant household
• Unlearning the colonized mindset and the pressure to assimilate as an Filipino-American
• Navigating family and writing your own story of self-love
• Radical acceptance and unconditional love of your entire personhood 

You can find our guest at:

• Website: kissmymike.com
• Instagram: @kissmymike_official
• Facebook: @kissmymike
• TikTok: @kissmymike
• YouTube: @KissMyMike_Official

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we are joined by Bibingka Mama. Bibingka Mama is a Pinay drag queen, baker, songwriter, and entertainer who serves Filipino cuisine with a funky twist. In this episode, we dive into Bibingka Mama's journey from fashion designer to drag artist, exploring how their passion for food and Filipino culture has shaped their identity.   In this episode, we chat about:

• Navigating assimilation as a first-generation Filipino American
• Discovering her love of food through the art of drag
• The importance of food in culture
• Misconceptions surrounding Filipino food
• Fostering community through food events and creating inclusive spaces
• Celebrating your identity and cultural background without fear or shame

You can find our guest at:

• Website: bibingkamama.com
• Instagram: @bibingkamama
• Facebook: @OGBibingka.Mama
• TikTok: @bibingka.mama
• X/Twitter: @BibingkaMama

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Kekoa. Kekoa is a unique drag artist hailing from the islands of Indonesia. She is known for her powerful performances and unique perspective as a queer Asian creative. Growing up with a mixed heritage in a predominantly conservative environment - Transforming through early challenges and military school - The role of drag as a vehicle for self-expression and living with intentionality - Redefining what it means to be an Asian drag performer - Focusing on collaboration, community, and inspiring others

In this episode, we chat about:

• Growing up with a mixed heritage in a predominantly conservative environment
• Transforming through early challenges and military school
• The role of drag as a vehicle for self-expression and living with intentionality
• Redefining what it means to be an Asian drag performer
• Focusing on collaboration, community, and inspiring others

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @kekoais
• TikTok: @kekoais

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

For this episode, guest Louis Lee joins us. Louis is the chief creative officer and co-founder of Bellweather, a strategy-led creative agency that specializes in transforming legacy brands in the non-profit healthcare and travel sector. Louis is passionate about helping brands thrive in an ever-changing landscape, particularly by expanding and diversifying audiences, including women, people of color, and Gen Z.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Overcoming childhood challenges while living in an Asian household
• Navigating family dynamics as a queer couple
• Breaking away from limiting Asian stereotypes
• Analyzing the root of Asian stereotypes in America
• Being a minority in corporate spaces
• Leaning into supportive family and friends

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @bellweatheragency
• Website: bellweather.agency
• X: @louisklee

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

This episode we're joined by guest Leslie Xia. Leslie is a queer Chinese American graphic designer and art director currently working at Invesco. They have worked at Fast Company, Vice News, and Men's Health to Millie Magazine, focusing on finance for women, and finally moved to Invesco.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The importance of personal finance, especially for queer and Asian communities
• Balancing Creativity and Practicality
• the importance of authenticity in content creation
• Ethical considerations in journalism and storytelling
• Maintaining equity and representation in content and design
• Embracing family support systems and community aid
• break taboos around discussing money within the community to foster mutual growth

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @memoirsofagayxia
• Website: www.lesliexia.com
• X: @thelesliexia

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

This episode we're joined by returning guest ONCH. A multi-talented artist and jewelry designer. ONCH is a creative artist based in Los Angeles who makes amazing wearable art that goes beyond regular fashion. His unique pieces have been featured in a Biotechnology textbook by David P. Clark and in Vogue, as well as displayed in prestigious places like the MET Museum.

In this episode, we chat about:

• vulnerability, authenticity, and the evolving nature of social media
• collaborating with legacy brands like Keith Haring
• his experiences overcoming bullying, and turning trauma into creative success
• the importance of persistence
• balancing personal and work life
• building community through raw, unfiltered content
• the value of staying true to oneself and inspiring others through genuine human connection

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @onch
• Website: www.onch.us
• X: @onch
• Tiktok: @onchtv

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

This episode, we're joined by Miss Shu Mai, a Taiwanese American drag queen. We delve into Miss Shu Mai's journey into drag, her dance background, and her experiences with identity and homophobia. She is a founder of the Send Noodz Party, an API-centric drag show in LA.

In this episode, we chat about:

• coming out and finding acceptance
• the importance of authenticity, community, and celebrating diverse experiences within the Asian American community
• touching on influences like anime, Pokemon, and the joy of gaming and fan art
• the significance of holding space for marginalized voices and supporting local drag scenes and cultural communities

You can find our guest at:

• Instagram: @missshumai
• Send Noodz: @sendnoodzparty

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: yellowglitterpodcast.substack.com 
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com

This episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, Kim Thai @kthai6 . She is a community organizer and founder of Joyful Liberation Collective. They are also a mindfulness teacher, writer and an Emmy Award-winning storyteller! Tune in to dive deep into topics of identity, healing, and liberation within oppressive systems.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The ripple effects that either reinforce or work against systems of oppression
• Kim Thai's mission to help others reclaim their power and freedom in the world.
• Ancestral practice and the healing power it can bring.
• The intersection of Buddhist teachings and modern everyday life.
• The concept of mindfulness in the attention economy.
• Engaged Buddhism and adapting teachings to address current societal needs.
• The commitment to transparency and learning from mistakes in the journey towards social justice and equity.  

You can find our guest at:

• Substack: @kimthai
• Website: www.thekimthai.com

You can follow me at:

• Instagram: @stevenwakabayashi
• YouTube: @stevenwakabayashi
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: mindfulmoments.substack.com
• Visit our website yellowglitterpodcast.com