Society and Culture / Sifu Mimi Chan

40. Margaret Suzy Wong Chan: Breast Cancer survivor on tai chi and Jamaican culture

I’m wrapping up breast cancer awareness month with a very special interview… my mom! Margaret Suzy Wong Chan joins me on the podcast today, and it is also her 70th birthday! Happy birthday Mom! We discuss her experience with breast cancer, and her healing process. My mom did not opt for chemotherapy, but instead healed with her strong spirit and practiced ancient art form of tai chi chuan. We of course do not recommend this for everyone, but listen on to hear survival story. We also go back in time and discuss her music career in Jamaica that carried over to the US. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

38.Robin Maynard on breast cancer awareness

In honor of Pink October, I am interview amazing breast cancer awareness advocates and survivors. Robin Maynard has served the citizens of Orange County as a Paramedic and Crime Scene Investigator since 1995. After the loss of her Mom Libby to breast cancer in 2006, Robin knew saving lives would take on a whole new path and with that, Libby’s Legacy was formed in 2007. Robin worked full time as a CSI while running the foundation until 2009 when she cashed in her 401K and left her career to dedicate herself to this foundation in her Mother’s honor and memory. Robin is a passionate advocate who is committed to ensuring every woman gets the breast health care and treatment they need to live a long and full life. I enjoyed meeting Robin and truly believe in the work she is doing. I am inspired after listening to Robin’s story and motivated by her passion and devotion to the cause.

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.

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.

24. Adisa Banjoko on blending hip hop, chess, and martial arts

Adisa Banjoko, founder of the Hip Hop Chess Federation, developed a unique approach to helping youth embrace and apply alternative strategies to obstacles in life by providing an engaging, interactive program that helps youth cultivate the necessary life skills for success. At his center, they teach a blend of chess, hip hop performing arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The center is open to all youths, but is especially programmed for those in violent neighborhoods. I had a fascinating conversation with Adisa about the intersection of hip hop, martial arts, and chess, and found the work he is doing to bring non-violence through these mediums remarkable.

22. Gene Ching on Weapons, Drug Intervention, and Fencing

Gene Ching keeps busy. He is the publisher of Kung Fu Magazine, a martial artist, a fencing expert, and is the Psychiatric Crisis Intervention Supervisor in which he volunteers his time in drug and psychiatric crisis intervention at music events. I had the pleasure of talking with him about all of these areas of expertise. I also learned more about ancient weapons, making weapons, and his new show Man at Arms: Art of War on the El Ray Network.

13. Hardy Kam, Michelin star

Hardy is the owner of Kam’s Roast Goose in Hong Kong. Since 1942, his family has been achieving outstanding success in the culinary world. We sit down to discuss why he has kept this tradition going, what food means to him, and how this simple no frills restaurant quickly earned the award of a Michelin Star. Warning: Do not listen to this episode if you are hungry!

10. Bruce Richards, look down under koalas

I sit down with my new Aussie friend on board a cruise ship and we discuss the country of Australia. We chat about the outback, dying coral reefs, kicking kangaroos, and gun control. As we are on board a cruise ship, please excuse any audio issues we experienced.