Asian Americans / Sifu Mimi Chan

273. May Lee on broadcast journalism, activism and #stopasianhate

May Lee is an award-winning broadcast journalist, host of “The May Lee Show,” adjunct professor at USC, and founder of Lotus Media House who has been both a US-based and international anchor, host, correspondent, and producer.

It was a pleasure to speak to May as a fellow podcaster and AAPI activist. May has been very outspoken about the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes since the start of the pandemic and spotlighted many of the victims of these horrible events.

271. Dr. Mark Cheng on the Olympics and Olympic Athletes

I love the Olympics. I enjoy marveling at the athletes and cheering them on. In a world where there is so much negativity and frustration, the Olympics usually provide a moment of comfort and joy.

Unfortunately, I have been frustrated with the Russian Olympic Committee and the controversy surrounding figure skater Kamila Valieva. When I heard reports of her failing her drug test, I was frustrated. I’m not sure what the result of the competition will be by the time this is released, but as of the day this was recorded, she has been allowed to skate and is currently in the lead after the short program.

263. NAPAWF on the AAPI community and reproductive justice

The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) is the only organization focused on building power with AAPI women and girls to influence critical decisions that affect AAPI lives, families, and communities. Using a reproductive justice framework, they elevate AAPI women and girls to impact policy and drive systemic change in the United States.

259. Stewart Kwoh on The Asian American Education Project

Stewart Kwoh is a nationally recognized leader and expert in race relations, Asian American studies, nonprofit organizations and philanthropies, civil rights, and legal services. He co-founded Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles and the Asian American Education Project.

249. Yaya Han and Jinx on cosplay and Asian representation

In this episode, I chat with two incredible women: Yaya Han and Jinx Cosplay. I am in awe of their skills in sewing and crafting, but even more impressed with their compassion and advocacy.

Yaya and Jinx were generous to share their experiences with discrimination and racism. We discuss the issues surrounding anti-Asian hate crimes and how including AAPI history in our education system can be a solution. I am so grateful to both Yaya and Jinx for speaking out for the Asian American community.

248. Rich Ting on acting, history and Bolo on Warrior HBO MAX

In this episode, I welcome Rich Ting who plays Bolo on HBO MAX’s Warrior. I enjoyed hearing his journey from a Yale football athlete to a Hollywood actor. Rich was honest and open about the challenges he faced and how that transition was not an easy one for him.

We also talk about his dedicated fan base who have been petitioning to #bringboloback since his character died in Season 1 of Warrior.

239. Gene Luen Yang on comics, education and AAPI issues

Gene Luen Yang began making comics and graphic novels in the fifth grade. In 2006, his book American Born Chinese was published and became the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association’s Printz Award. It also won an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album-New.

237. Ming Chen on comics and podcasting

Ming is an award-winning podcaster, actor, and reality tv personality on AMC’s Comic Book Men. Ming got his start as the webmaster for director Kevin Smith and now co-hosts the I Sell Comics! and Ming & Mike Show podcasts with Mike Zapcic.

233. Dr. Mark Cheng on Asian American culture

Dr. Mark Cheng is back on the podcast discussing the uniqueness of Asian American culture. He shares stories from his childhood and what it was like being an Asian American while working in Asia. We are both frustrated with the of rise anti-Asian hate crimes and focus on actions we can take. I urge everyone to listen and learn as we dissect various self-defense philosophies and tactics.

229. Greg Rucka on burn out, story plot and John Wick

These episodes have basically become an on-air recording of Greg Rucka and I discussing: what we’ve been up to and how we are coping with the challenges of the week. We discuss my battle and activism with the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and dealing with burnout from covid19 and watching the Chauvin trial.

226. Greg Rucka on the covid19 vaccine, racism and writing

As many of you know it has been a rough week for me. I’ve been speaking out about the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes on the news and at vigils honoring the victims of the mass shooting in Atlanta. It is always comforting to have conversations with Greg since we have podcasted almost weekly since the start of the pandemic.