Episodes
In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we unpack the housing and cost of living crisis. We begin by sharing how recent increases in rent, interest rates and groceries have impacted us personally and how we’ve changed our spending habits to adjust. The crew also discusses the challenges different generations face when it comes to wealth building, the changing values towards money and outlooks towards work/life balance. Davie then explains the dire state of housing affordability in...
Published 04/21/24
Published 04/21/24
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by content creator, Tara Chandra, who peels back the curtains of her life as a fashion and lifestyle influencer. Tara shares how a passion for Tumblr sparked her artistic journey, how she uses fashion to showcase the different parts of her identity and the power of manifesting your wildest dreams. Tara also opens up about how traumatic experiences with chronic eczema gave her the courage to speak out, in hopes of normalising...
Published 04/07/24
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by actor, performer, speaker, comedian and creative entrepreneur, Diana Nguyen. Diana shares her incredible journey as a storyteller, from being kicked out of home when she was eighteen and self-funding her first show, to running her own TedTalk and performing at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Diana opens up about how the arts helped her mend family trauma and build bridges where words fail to. She also unpacks her experiences...
Published 03/24/24
In this episode of The Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Zhoe Low, Global Manager of ‘July’, a renowned Australian travel brand specialising in luggage and accessories. Zhoe shares her unconventional path as an early digital nomad, her transition from tech startups to travel products, and how she absorbed ten years of business knowledge into three years while working for July. Zhoe also opens up about the profound impact of therapy, the mindset that helped overcome her self-limiting...
Published 03/10/24
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, the crew deep dive down a Reddit rabbit hole to unpack some of the spiciest takes the internet has to offer. Tune in as the team debates an Asian edition of #AITA, share their insights on an Asian Parent themed Subreddit and reveal some of their own unhinged experiences. Comment below - do YOU think they're an a**hole? 👇
Published 02/25/24
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Natalie Yan-Chatonsky, Founder and CEO of Full Time Lives, a women’s midlife specialist and author of 'The Art of Full Time Living'. Natalie emphasises the significance of women, particularly those in midlife to prioritise self-care, nurture social connections, and design meaningful next chapters. Her approach aims to generate positive social change to prompt proactive steps towards fostering positive personal growth. She also...
Published 02/11/24
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Neel Kolhatkar, a comedian, filmmaker, and Youtube sensation, well known for his viral comedy sketches and stand up routines. Neel talks about his childhood in Sydney, what captivated him into pursuing comedy at a young age, and how he turned his online success into a full-time career. He also shares his thoughts on navigating PC and cancel culture, emphasising the importance of diversifying his skills and attracting dedicated...
Published 01/28/24
In this episode of the Level Asian Podcast, we’re joined by the WHOLE L:A team, as we take a moment to appreciate our incredible journey and share some of the remarkable accomplishments and milestones we’ve achieved throughout 2023.  Some of our key achievements include: 🧧 Cabramatta Lunar New Year Merch Stall 🎤 Vinh Giang x Level: Asian Event at the Carter 🦐 A Nostalgic Night with L:A ft. Jason from Canton Kitchen and Junda from Hojiak 🎙️ Panel Appearances at SWEH, HCC, WSU, AAF and SXSW 🎂...
Published 01/07/24
Welcome to another fun-filled Christmas episode of The Level: Asian Podcast! We're thrilled to be joined once again (Round 2!) by OUR FAVOURITE POWER COUPLE behind Ultrafade - Rich and Jenny!  In this episode, Rich and Jenny share their journey expanding Ultrafade to Bankstown, Jenny's transition from pharmacy to joining the biz full-time, and Rich's heartwarming experience giving a talk to disengaged students in his former high school. We also talk about Rich's aspiration to become a keynote...
Published 12/23/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Dai Le, a Vietnamese-born Australian politician currently serving as the federal member for Fowler and councillor for Fairfield/Cabravale Ward. Dai shares her harrowing experience of escaping on a boat at age seven during the fall of Saigon, getting stranded at sea multiple times, and ending up in refugee camps for months before being resettled in Australia. She also talks about the intergenerational trauma of the refugee...
Published 12/10/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Asami Koike, Founder and Director of Shapes and Sounds, a social enterprise that destigmatises and promotes mental health in Asian communities. Asami opens up about her challenges adapting to Western culture as a Japanese immigrant,  the notable gap she discovered in Asian-Australian mental health research and how dropping out of university to pursue yoga helped catalyse the growth of her identity. She also shares the origins of...
Published 11/26/23
Join us as we 'wine down' and share some of the craziest and most unforgettable travel experiences. Hear Davie's untold pre-trip break-up story, Noel's backpacking adventures, Kan's year-long trip to Asia & Europe, and Viv’s SOLO travel experiences vs. with family. We also answer questions like:  What travel compromises have we made in the past that we wouldn't make today? If we could choose any member of the L:A crew for a journey, who would it be? And if we could fly tomorrow, where...
Published 11/12/23
Before we dive into this episode, check out Salena's first episode on our podcast-it sets the perfect stage for what's to come!  Link here: https://www.levelasianpodcast.com/episodes/salena-kulkarni-inkosi-wealth-episode-13 Not only is Salena a familiar face, but also a wealth strategist and certified property investment adviser who has helped 100’s of investors achieve financial freedom faster in preparation for early retirement. In this episode, Salena talks about the motivation behind...
Published 10/29/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Traci Chen, CEO and Principal Lawyer at Maison Chen Law Group, a law firm that specialises in Australian migration support and visa application courses. Traci shares her parents' migration story and how it guided her journey from studying law to losing her corporate job and establishing her own firm with 50 employees. She also talks about how she's grown hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, her personal life of...
Published 10/15/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Joe Kwon, CEO and Founder of ConFit and ConFit Pathways, a social enterprise and NFPO dedicated to fostering a sense of self-worth among inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society. Joe candidly shares his journey from mingling with the wrong crowd during his youth, to leading a criminal syndicate by age 21, and serving 13 years in prison. He also talks about how he met his billionaire father figure who greatly...
Published 10/01/23
Welcome back to Part 2 of our origin and business story episode! If you missed Part 1, you'll definitely want to check it out first. 👇 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3A7vq9G_0Q&t=11s This time around, Kan, Davie, and Noel reflect on their biggest sacrifices in building their businesses, their personal take on the idea of work-life balance, and the nuggets of wisdom they'd pass on to their 20-something-year-old selves. They also talk about what they love the most about being business...
Published 09/17/23
Today, we've got a special episode where we dive deep into the lives of Kan, Davie, and Noel - the brains behind Social Wave, Box Advisory Services, and your favourite podcast Level: Asian! The boys walk down memory lane as they share their personal experiences leading up to their entrepreneurial endeavours, including childhood ambitions, student lives, and early career ventures. Kan, Davie, and Noel also emphasise the importance of building a strong team culture, their biggest challenges...
Published 09/04/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Lisa Nguyen, founder of Astrid, Australia's first multi-award-winning female led dispensary and specialty clinic for cannabinoid medicines, plant therapies, and nutraceuticals.  Lisa shares her unique uni experience in Wagga Wagga and how it changed her perspective on life, shaped her values and the transition into her first cannabis sales role in Australia.  Lisa also talks to us about how she built Astrid during the middle of a...
Published 08/20/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by Amanda and Ken, the founders of EVA, Australia's award-winning, certified B Corp furniture brand.  Amanda and Ken share their journey from how they founded EVA, the evolution of the brand, and highlight company milestones and successes, along with the challenges they’ve faced during their journey.  We also talk to Amanda and Ken about introverted leadership in business, their advice for those wanting to enter the e-commerce space and...
Published 08/06/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by Brenda Van, Founder of 'Dating Apps Suck', an offline dating event that brings like-minded people together in person. Brenda shares her thoughts on the modern dating scene, why it motivated her to start ‘Dating Apps Suck’, and shares the success of hosting “Dating Apps Suck” events across Sydney and Melbourne.  Brenda also opens up to us about her struggles with mental health & how it ties in with adult relationships, along with...
Published 07/23/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by Matt Purcell, Australia’s leading personal branding expert and the founder of KYU Media, a creative agency based in Sydney, and Social Kung Fu, Australia’s only verbal self-defence program.  Matt opens up about his experiences growing up as an adoptee and his valuable lessons in learning business from direct experiences and mentors.  Matt also talks about his deeper purpose of giving back to the community through Social Kung Fu,...
Published 07/08/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by Sally Sitou, a Labor Party Member for the Division of Reid as of the 2022 Australian federal election. Sally talks to us about her journey of getting into politics, how her parents’ migrant story and the community support have influenced her political work and shares what it’s been like navigating the limelight of being an MP. Sally also offers advice and wisdom for the younger generation seeking to be heard by people in the...
Published 06/25/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by our amazing guest, Vinh Giang. If you're not familiar with Vinh yet, he's an international speaker, a communications coach, an entrepreneur, and a magician! Vinh opens up to us about his experience of moving schools five times due to severe bullying, failing year 12, navigating his son's autism, unlearning bad work habits, and prioritising a better life balance.  He also talks with us about the importance of sharing our parents’...
Published 06/10/23
In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by Aaron Christie-David, Director of Atelier Wealth, a multi-awarded mortgage broker company.  Aaron shares his story of growing up in a large family, migrating to Australia, exploring non-traditional education routes, and building a business that helps people start and scale up their property portfolio. He also shares how "migrant mentality" influenced how he built Atelier Wealth and talks about finding work-life balance and...
Published 06/03/23