Society and Culture / Sifu Mimi Chan

81. Phil Chen, bassist, on music and Jamaican culture

Phil Chen is a well-known Jamaican bassist who now lives in Los Angeles. He was one of England’s most utilized session bassists during the 1970s and 1980s, including Jeff Beck, and the Rod Stewart band, but is probably best known for his later work with The Doors.

79. Justin Van Genderen, Chicago artist and designer

Chicago Art: As you all know, I love to travel. Recently my travels took me to one of my favorite US cities, Chicago. I had a full schedule of eating planned, and between feedings, I had to allow for some digestion.

78. Ricky Ly on food and the Asian American culture in Orlando

As you all know, I love food. Today, I chat with Ricky Ly, food blogger of Tasty Chomps Orlando and author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Orlando: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings.

77. Dr. Ravi Chandra on FACEBUDDHA: Transcendence in the Age of Social Networks

Dr. Ravi Chandra is the author of FACEBUDDHA: Transcendence in the Age of Social Networks. I was delighted to chat with him about the journey he underwent writing his book. Ravi describes the book as an Asian American immigrant memoir.

73. Sheriff Jerry Demings on his vision as Orange County Mayor

Today I talk with Sheriff Jerry Demings on his vision for Orlando as he runs for Orange County Mayor. I appreciated his thoughts on immigration, diversity, sustainability, and affordable housing. As you know, I have been a little politically charged of late. I feel it is our job to demand more of our public officials and I am hopeful that the changes and policies that Sheriff Demings envisions will become a reality for us here in Orange County, Florida. I encourage you to listen openly and leave a comment. No matter what, register to vote and be involved! I endorse Sheriff Demings for Mayor and hope after hearing his vision for Orange County, you will too.

71. Owen Everard James on Jamaican by Birth, American by Choice

Owen Everard James is a family friend we know through the Jamaican community. He has been a teacher, civil servant, banker and worked for nearly thirty years as a manufacturing executive with a Fortune 500 American multi-national corporation. He has lived and worked in the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and East and Southern Africa.

69. Matthew Polly on Bruce Lee

Has anyone ever heard of Bruce Lee? I’m guessing… yes. Today I chat with Matthew Polly on his new book, Bruce Lee, a life. This is the first authoritative biography on Bruce’s life which Matthew took over 6 years researching and interviewing those closest to Bruce. We chat about his discoveries and the process of writing the book. Matthew is also a fellow martial artist who has chronicled his experiences in his other works: American Shaolin, where he studied for 2 years at the Shaolin Temple and Tapped Out, where he trained for and fought in an MMA fight.

68. Lisa Santoni Cromar on Domestic Abuse

I had an engaging chat with Lisa Santoni Cromar about her work in public service, like the Women’s March and domestic violence advocacy. I love meeting women who take action, and Lisa certainly is a woman of action.

66. Gareeboo family on Ramadan and others

I admit to knowing very little about the holy month of Ramadan, so I reached out to two of my students, a father and daughter, who I knew were observing Ramadan. It was great for me to get a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural aspects of Ramadan and learn more about the family’s background.

65. Adisa Banjoko on hip hop and cultural appropriation

If any of you listened to CCHAT 24, you will have found out what a huge hip-hop 90s fan I am. Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Adisa Banjoko about the hip-hop today, and in particular, about the much talked about Childish Gambino song This is America. I loved this conversation and hope you will too!

63. Gabriela Roldan on Antarctica, Argentina, and Penguins

Meet Gabriela Roldan! I met Gabriela after attending her lectures on board my cruise to Antarctica and South America. Many of you have been asking me to share more about my travels to the great white continent, and when I decided to podcast about it, I knew I had to have Gabriela on the show. She has such an extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the area. We also discuss her hometown at the end of the world, Ushuaia, Argentina. I couldn’t resist the urge to ask the expert about the effects of climate change she has witnessed over the years in the region.

61. Julio Ricardo Varela on Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria, and Tostones

Today I sit down with Julio Ricardo Varela (cohost In the Thick, LatinoUSA) to discuss the devastation after Hurricane Maria that still plagues the island today. We also go deeper into the underlying problems that the island has faced for decades. Julio hopes that the attention Hurricane Maria has brought to Puerto Rico will result in real action and changes being made that are long overdue. We also talk tostones and dominoes, so listen on as we delve into the culture of Puerto Rico.