sifu mimi chan / Sifu Mimi Chan

44. Richard Sakurai in a Japanese Camp

43. Emmy award winning journalist Fred Francis on fake news vs shallow reporting

Is it fake news? No, it’s shallow reporting according to Fred Francis. Fred is a Two-time Emmy award winning broadcast journalist that has over 46 years of experience in the communications industry. He retired as a senior correspondent after 30 years at NBC News with a longstanding expertise in national and international security. We have an interesting conversation about the evolution of journalism and how we as consumers need to do our due diligence and seek out information. Fred sheds light on the ins and outs of the news world and why it has changed so drastically in the past 10 years. He also shares some of his fascinating stories of investigative reporting from Miami crime in the 1960’s to working at the Pentagon through the Gulf war. We couldn’t chat about news and not mention the current day issues of deciphering fact from false information and how this administration treats the media.

42. Timothy Johnson on the Vietnam War

In honor of Veterans Day, I sit down to talk to Private First-Class Timothy Johnson, a military cook and paratrooper who served in the Vietnam War. I recently returned from Normandy, where I visited the D-Day beaches and landing sight of paratroopers in WWII like, Major Dick Winters from Band of Brothers. The visit to the Normandy American cemetery left me awestruck. As I walked the grounds of the park, I truly felt proud to be an American. I have the deepest respect for those that selflessly serve this country in the military. It is a sacrifice, that I do not believe I am strong enough to make, and I am grateful for their service. I admittedly have not been as active in outreach for Veterans as I should be, and after speaking with Tim, realize this is another social issue that needs attention.

41. Dave Nguyen on adoption, Operation Baby Lift, and reunions in Vietnam

In 1975, the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War was named Operation Babylift. Thousands of children were evacuated during that time, and today I speak with one of those evacuees, Dave Nguyen. Dave was adopted at the age of three by an American family and now has a family of his own. In 2010, Dave set out on a journey to discover his heritage and find his birth parents. He shares his compelling story of his return to Vietnam, visiting his birth place, and reuniting with his birth mother. Through this emotional journey, Dave discovers his own identity, and is now on a mission to find more answers about his past. I love learning from others, and in this chat, I enjoyed hearing Dave’s story of his adoption, reunions, and self-discovery and learning about Operation Babylift.

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.

39. Derek Johnson on law enforcement

Sifu Derek Johnson is a kung fu instructor of the Jow Ga system, former marine, and retired law enforcement officer. For over 25 years, he served in numerous law enforcement specialties. He was assigned to many agencies in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, such as: violent crimes, undercover narcotics, community outreach, leadership as a Patrol Commander, internal affairs, and worked with the DEA and FBI departments. I have been outraged for the families that have lost loved ones to senseless shootings, and wonder why is this happening? Do officers need more training or stricter screening and guidelines? What is the problem? Derek sheds light on the training many law enforcement officers receive and what can be going through their minds in these high stakes situations. He also shares my frustration, and speaks openly as both a black American and a law enforcement officer on the Black Lives Matter movement. I strongly believe in the movement and was grateful that Derek was so open with me on this sensitive subject. I also wanted to understand the protocol for officers in aggressive situations, and what we can do to help change the perception of law enforcement officers in the community.

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.

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.