Anastasia Kuznetsova shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Nevinnomyssk, Russia, during the USSR's collapse to finding her artistic voice in Lisbon. Raised by her grandmothers while her parents worked, Anastasia reflects on her childhood, the challenges of academia, and her struggles with self-esteem and panic attacks. She discusses her artistic evolution, inspired by her experiences in Sri Lanka and driven by her passion for languages. Anastasia opens up about her relationships,...

Jessica La, a professional musician of Vietnamese descent with a uniquely fitting last name. Despite parental expectations for a conventional career, she cleverly convinced them to support her musical journey. In this episode, we delve into her insights on overcoming performance anxiety through thorough preparation and the importance of taking a 'breather' to her students. Learn what ignites her passion for music, her distinctive teaching approach, and her creative process. From...

My discussion with Adrian Magno began with career transitions but quickly evolves into a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and joys of fatherhood. Adrian candidly shares his experiences of grappling with imposter syndrome and the importance of storytelling in his work. As immigrant fathers raised in Filipino households, we delve into the complexities of cultural identity and the profound impact of parenthood. Adrian reflects on his journey of self-discovery, navigating the pressures of...

Dr. Tina Tang is a Retina Surgeon, embarked on a journey from Beijing, China, to Canada, then Massachusetts, and back, all while pursuing her dream career. Growing up in a small Massachusetts town as a Chinese immigrant, she grappled with her identity and the desire to fit in. Yet, the support of diverse friends helped her embrace her heritage and prioritize academics. We delve into the delicate balance between her professional and social life, and the pivotal role of mentors in her decision...

Carlo Alcos, a second-generation immigrant, explores his identity journey in the documentary "Outsiderness." Formerly a globe-trotter, he now seeks to uncover his true sense of belonging. Our conversation delved into his upbringing in a Filipino household amidst a predominantly white environment, addressing the challenges of cultural integration. Carlo shared the catalyst for his film, recounting poignant moments of attempting to assimilate into white society. We discussed the concept of...

Yesse Kim, a Classical Pianist, embarked on a journey from Seoul, South Korea, to the grand stages of Germany. Leaving behind a fractured family dynamic, Yesse's relocation to Michigan with her mother and brother marked the beginning of her odyssey. However, the geographical distance couldn't bridge the emotional chasm, ultimately leading to her parents' divorce—a pivotal moment that shaped her outlook on relationships. As she navigated the tumultuous waters of adolescence, Yesse found...

Rachel Liza is a talented figure skater and YouTuber. She shares her incredible journey from being adopted from China as a baby, found by the side of a bridge, to embracing life with her white adoptive parents. We delve into her evolving feelings about her identity and the unique challenges she faces, including 'Adoption Trauma' and abandonment issues that she bravely confronts in therapy. We also discuss her experiences growing up homeschooled and how it shaped her perspective on...

Felice Chan is a native of Hong Kong, initially pursued Western Medicine in the US but experienced burnout. She embarked on a soul-searching journey, training as a yoga teacher in Cambodia with the full support of her twin sister. Despite parental reluctance towards Traditional Chinese Medicine, Felice found her calling with the help of her mother's guidance. Now, she thrives as an Acupuncturist, combining her passion for healing with her roots. She revealed an exclusive and exciting piece of...

Love Tanada, a Registered Nurse from Manitoba. She shares her journey, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences. Love discusses overcoming obstacles during her 5-year quest for Canadian immigration, including her time in Abu Dhabi, where she learned did a lot of growing mentally and emotionally. Inspired by her father's healthcare struggles during his dialysis, Love became a nurse with a strong belief in her potential. She opens up about the challenges of immigrant life in...

Prescilla Jean "PJ" Olay is a Hollywood TV & Film Hairstylist, defies convention, emerging as an extraordinary individual despite her typical Catholic Filipino upbringing. Rebelling against her loving but strict religious parents, PJ endured constant moves due to immigration issues, even sharing a one-bedroom apartment with five family members. At seven, her parents made a sacrifice, returning to the Philippines so they could work in the US to save for a home, a move PJ embraced eagerly. ...

Join us as we dive into the world of futures design with Ruth Isabel Guerra, a Filipina-American who relocated to Prague for her studies. In this episode, we discuss our addiction to smartphones, the future of artificial intelligence, and how we can prepare for its impact. Ruth shares insights on democratizing AI to ensure it benefits all, avoiding the creation of purposeless technologies, and redefining real progress. Discover Ruth's priorities in design, the differences in education systems...

Linda Ohairwe is a passionate HR professional hailing from Uganda and now thriving in the US. From embracing her career dreams with parental support to navigating pronouns in the workplace, she's a force for inclusivity and education. In this conversation, we delve into exit interviews, resume crafting, and the nuances of remote work. Plus, gain insights on conflict resolution, active listening, and Linda's take on the ever-evolving US job market. Amidst her journey, she shares experiences of...

John Hong Kim is an Orthopedic Nurse. He opened about the impact of putting himself out there, particularly through TikTok, and shared how this exposure unveiled the true nature of his support system. It became a revealing experience, separating genuine supporters from the rest and prompting introspection into his purpose as a content creator. John also shared a story of a twist of fate with his roommate, almost akin to the movie “Trading Places,” which steered him towards the pursuit of...

Emon Surakitkoson, an abstract artist from Baltimore, came on the podcast to share her journey from coming to the US from Thailand to be close to her sister, all the while discovering the US as the land of opportunity. From battling depression while working in a bar to finding solace in art, Emon embodies the 'Immigrant Mentality'— starting small and utilizing whatever materials she could find, using only black and white paint. No excuses, just pure determination. She unveils the...

Yennybelles a voiceover actor, she unveils the chapters of her life in this compelling episode. From Dubai to the Philippines, where cultural shock and a dearth of healthcare deeply impacted her after her father battled cancer. Determined, she set her sights on Canada, turning a distant dream into a tangible reality. Yet, the achievement of her Canadian dream brought an unexpected emptiness, a feeling of being lost. In the midst of this quest for identity, she discovered solace and purpose...

Cary Lowe, an accomplished American Lawyer and Author of the compelling book "Becoming American," recently joined our podcast for an insightful conversation. His book narrates a remarkable journey from being a child of Holocaust survivors in post-war Europe to becoming a lawyer, academic, and activist, associating with renowned political leaders. He shared profound experiences, including memories of Army Counterintelligence agents gathering at his home in Austria, witnessing Jim Crow racism...

The Creative Director of the Filipinta beauty brand, Hana Acabado, joined the podcast to unfold her inspiring journey. Initially, in a moment of boredom while caring for her child, she conceived a mock-up brand, Filipinta, which eventually blossomed into a thriving company. Prior to Filipinta, Hana encountered setbacks in various ventures and pressed pause on her "mediocre" music career to embrace motherhood—a role she hadn't initially aspired to, being a career-driven woman. Surprisingly,...

Wilfred Padua is a stand-up comedian from New York that’s originally from Seattle. In this episode, Wilfred discusses the challenges of growing up with illegal immigrant parents, feeling alienated from their struggles, avoiding stereotypes as an Asian man, struggles of online dating, how BET Comic View influence his stand-up career, the impact of social media on comedy and what he thinks is his next evolution as a stand-up. 🎤ALL LINKS BELOW 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3g0qe2g Apple:...

Dive into a captivating conversation with Teneisha Grimes, a relationship and financial coach. From her Jamaican roots to navigating parenthood in Canada, we explore the intricacies of blending Trinidadian and Jamaican cultures in raising kids. We discussed the story behind her viral post on the cost of living in Canada and why she's willing to pay the price for peace of mind. Teneisha shares her coaching journey, debunks immigrant money myths, and provides insights on YOLO vs. saving as a...

Join me for a heartfelt year-end episode where we navigate through the highs and lows of 2023. I'll share gratitude for the lessons learned and growth experienced. We'll candidly review 2023 goals, celebrating successes and embracing challenges. Get ready for an honest self-assessment as I grade my 2023 goals, followed by an exciting reveal of my 2024 goals—from personal development to professional aspirations. Tune in for a sneak peek into what's in store for the podcast in 2024, including...

Monica Lam, a former model turned paralegal with a fascinating journey. Born in Massachusetts, raised in Minnesota, and now calling New Jersey home, Monica shares her unique experiences as a woman with a Cambodian background. Discover how Monica leveraged her modeling career as a platform to unlock doors and opportunities that ultimately shaped her path in life. Listen as she reflects on setting boundaries with her parents while navigating the challenges of parenting her child. Monica...

In this episode, we sat down with the award-winning Filmmaker, Patricio Ginelsa Growing up in Daly City surrounded by a vibrant Filipino community, he started making short films with neighborhood kids. This journey eventually led him to create the first-ever 'Lumpia movie.' A decade later, Patricio decided to follow it up with, ' Lumpia with a Vengeance,' an experience that allowed him to collaborate with former UFC fighter Mark Muñoz and the legendary Danny Trejo. Discover Patricio's...

Katy Ho is a writer, activist. Born to refugee parents, she navigated a complex journey marked by intergenerational trauma and the quest for belonging. Battling guilt and self-imposed pressure, she discovers healing through heartfelt conversations and journaling. While Calgary was her childhood home, Vancouver becomes the canvas for her self-discovery, leading her to activism as the president of Amnesty International UBC chapter. In our conversation, Katy shares insights on avoiding...

In this captivating episode, we dive into the fascinating life and perspectives of Henry Vaughn, a unique individual who blends philosophy and his diverse cultural experiences. Half-Taiwanese and Half-Texan, Henry's upbringing in a military family adds an extra layer to his intriguing background. In this episode, Henry opens up about his personal journey into the world of philosophy and shares his insights as a Third Culture Kid. He discusses the evolving nature of his Taiwanese...