Podcast / Sifu Mimi Chan

37. Dan Springen, director of the Orlando Film Festival, on indie filmmaking

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.

36. Selina Siak Chin Yoke, breast cancer survivor, on Malaysian culture and history

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.

35. Larry Nager on the art of life: Music, Cuban-American collaboration and Washboards

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.

34.Antje Wiegand on cultural barriers

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.

33. Alex Hernandez on space opera, biopunk, and the family genealogy

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.

32. Kevin Carr on strength training, coaching, and ice cream

What comes to mind when you hear the words strength and conditioning? Does it leave you wanting to run in the other direction? Sometimes I admit I want to run the other way, but today I sit down with Coach Kevin Carr of Mike Boyle’s Strength and Conditioning and Movement as Medicine to dispel myths and go over the reasons of why we all need both strength and conditioning.

31. Game of Thrones Geek Out with Patrick Lugo

SPOILER ALERT. If you were trapped in a cave over the weekend and still have not watched the season finale of Game of Thrones, do not listen to this episode.

30. Commissioner Patty Sheehan on Pulse shooting, Orlando culture, and women in politics

Love is love. It was so incredible to sit down with Commissioner Patty Sheehan after the one-year memorial of the horrible Pulse Shooting in Orlando. Commissioner Sheehan was on the ground and in the streets helping victims’ families in the wake up the shooting, but even one year later is still comforting the families, fundraising for them, and honoring the memory of their loved ones. I was honored the Commissioner fit me into her busy schedule to discuss her life in politics these past 17 years. As the first openly-gay elected official in Central Florida, she has worked to pass non-discrimination protections and Domestic Partnership legislation for the LGBTQ community. She also shared the challenges she has faced being both openly gay and a woman in politics. I loved sitting with Patty in her office as I was surrounded by colorful art, rainbow flags, Wonder Woman figurines, and the reminder that love is love.

29. Matt Hinckley on sustainable food

It’s time to talk about food!!! As many of you know, I love food. However, being a lover of all foods often raises questions about animal rights, sustainability, being eco friendly, and overall health. Today I talk with chef Matt Hinckley of Hinckley’s Meats about all of these topics. Matt has traveled the world researching food and cultures and formerly worked in Disney and Michelin star restaurants. We all love to eat, but what are some better choices we can be making towards the environment or animal rights? We may not have all the answers, but Matt shares some interesting insights on the food industry; including the large role immigrants play in keeping restaurants alive and substance abuse amongst chefs due to the high pressure of the job.

28. Hiep Dang on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and The Matrix

It’s time to geek out … no this is not a comic book episode. You don’t have to be a computer or tech geek to tune in. Anyone who uses a computer or smart phone should listen to this chat with cybersecurity expert Hiep Dang. How can you better protect yourself from hackers or computer viruses? What are the most common threats? How does this all fit into The Matrix? Hiep answers all of these questions in today’s podcast about cyberthreats and cybersecurity.

27. Hailey Snow: “I’m just me.” Discovery of a transgender and gay woman

Hailey Snow bravely shares her story of self-discovery. At a very young age, she knew she was both a transgender and gay person, despite growing up in a strict Evangelical household. She suffered through years of torment with her identity, and had no one to turn to. I feel fortunate to share Hailey’s story and learned so much from her. I am appalled at the unequal treatment of the LGBTQ community and hope that stories like Hailey’s will help shed light on misconceptions and stereotypes.

26. Tony Wolf on artistry and acting in NYC

Meet Tony Wolf! He is an actor, singer, and artist in New York. Tony shares his experiences with the struggles of show business. We also discuss his artistry and illustrations, as he has created some comics that have appeared in the New York Times. As you know I am a comic book geek, and always enjoy chatting comics with a fellow geek!