Episodes
This episode, I’m joined by Kim Thai, founder of ganeshspace, an organization dedicated to making mindfulness a more equitable space. We chat about the current politics of America, how we can show up with compassion in activism, understanding ourselves before helping others, and her journey of finding her queer identity after marriage. Enjoy!
Published 01/24/21
On this episode of Yellow Glitter, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a queer, second-generation Viet-Khmer American from Chicagoland and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles, highlighting uplifting important Asian voices. We chat about the Asian diaspora, how to heal the trauma of our parents, coming out, the importance of storytelling history of Asian culture, creating inclusive spaces, and why the slogan “representation matters” needs updating.
Published 01/12/21
In this episode, we are joined by Mike Curato, a queer Asian author and illustrator, to talk about his latest graphic novel, Flamer, inspired by his own personal life story. We cover a lot of topics including, mental health, bullying, suicide, and the wave of intolerance plaguing our country, and also looking ahead at how we can all do better.
Published 11/24/20
In this episode, we are joined by Jon Lee-Olsen, a professional ice-hockey player who made headlines as the first openly out player in Europe and third in the world. We talk about his experience coming out nationally, managing relationships alongside a sports career, and his experiences as a transracial adoptee.
Published 10/30/20
In this episode, we are joined by Rain Valdez to talk about her journey from the Philippines and Guam to the Emmy-nominated actress and producer she is today. We talk about her Emmy-nominated show, Razor Tongue, as well as her recent work on Disclosure highlighting the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. We have a beautiful conversation with Rain about trans talent and the importance of visibility and stories in media.
Published 09/18/20
In this episode, we are joined by Amazin LeThi, LGBTQ+ sports ambassador, former competitive bodybuilder, entertainment executive, and fitness author to chat about current events and her life journey. We talk about trans-racial issues, equity and representation in media, and body positivity, homelessness in our queer community, and so much more.
Published 07/30/20
I am joined by none other than Ian Alexander (Buck Vu of The OA) and Vivien Ngô (Trinh Phan of Queen Sugar) to talk about what it’s like being gaysian in the entertainment industry, their humble beginnings as children of Asian immigrants, and their latest thriller, Daughter. They share some mindful advice on how to create a more equitable workspace for queer actors and having more diverse representation for cast and crew.
Published 06/15/20
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kalaya’an Mendoza, a nonviolent direct action trainer and disaster preparedness expert, to talk about the current climate and advice for those who headed out to protest in the streets. We chat about how we can show solidarity with Black folx and addressing racism within our Asian community.
Published 06/06/20
With the novel coronavirus spreading all around the world, so has intolerant attitudes towards Asians. Hate crimes have increased to unsettling amounts and it seems to get worse with each passing day. I am joined in this conversation with our returning guest Derek Tran to unpack the racism towards Asians and offer some advice on how to navigate it.
Published 04/28/20
We are living in an unprecedented era with many of us confined in our own homes, facing uncertainty around COVID-19, and experiencing sudden changes in employment. Join us for a session as we have a chat on staying physically and mentally healthy amidst COVID-19, establishing mindfulness to stay present and peaceful, understanding trauma responses during difficult times, and managing sudden shifts in employment.
Published 04/09/20
This episode, we talk about the continued struggles with COVID-19 here in NYC. But in light of this, there is also opportunity to connect with friends, family, our finances, emotions, feelings, and the planet. We also touch on some of the discriminatory laws that were recently passed against trans folks in Idaho.
Published 04/02/20
This episode, I talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. I share how our privilege and ignorance has led us where we are today, why we may be past the point of containment, why getting rid of wet markets is not the solution, addressing xenophobia, and advice on how to cope with emotions during this time.
Published 03/27/20
This episode, we have none other than Margaret Cho, one of the leading queer Asian voices in comedy, media, and activism here in America. We sit down and talk about her life leading up to comedy, including what it was like growing up in a Korean household, exploring sexuality, dating as a queer Asian, finding spirituality, and practicing mindfulness.
Published 03/11/20
This episode, we chat with ONCH, a nonbinary first-generation Taiwanese-American designer in LA about gaysian representation in media, racial fetishism, navigating finding love as a queer Asian, and the impact of social media and dating apps on today’s culture.
Published 02/29/20
This episode, we chat with Johnathan Gibbs, aka blasianFMA about activism, biracial identities, model minority myths, our racial preferences, and so much more.
Published 02/26/20
This episode, we sit down with Robin Mele, a queer second-generation Taiwanese-American therapist in NYC and learn more about her navigating through her asexual, panromantic, and polyamorous identity. We talk about identities, stereotypes, dating apps, and so much more!
Published 02/24/20
This episode, we sit down with Rajiv Khanna, a gay second-generation Indian-American living in San Francisco. We talk about what it was like growing up as a gay Indian man, coming out, dating apps, combating prejudice and so much more.
Published 02/17/20
This episode, we sit down with Derek Tran, a gay second-generation Vietnamese-American entrepreneur in LA and talk about growing up in LA, being a part of the gaysian LA scene, navigating social media and dating apps, and finding self-love through his spiritual and body transformation.
Published 02/17/20
Right now, we are in quite a precarious time. From the recent death of Kobe Bryant to hundreds of people dying from the Coronavirus all around the world, death is becoming more present than ever. For me, it’s been a frequent visitor and teacher. I share some advice on what I learned from life, death, and lessons of impermanence.
Published 02/07/20
I’m back for 2020! I share with you my highs of 2019, favorite books I’ve read, lessons from my lows, and advice on how to create habits and New Year’s resolutions that stick. I share a bit about how to practice self-love, compassion and how to address our egos.
Published 01/17/20
Happy Thanksgiving! Though this day has quite questionable roots, many of us are spending time with those we love. For many Asians, this might mean returning home to our conservative Asian families. In this episode, I share with you something that is near and dear to my heart - forgiving our parents and caregivers.
Published 11/28/19
This past week, I published an article addressing the cultural insensitivities of Queer Eye Japan. Lots of learnings and also four key lessons to share with you.
Published 11/26/19
In this episode, we talk about defying filial piety and our parent’s Asian expectations as we make decisions in career and in life. I share my story of not becoming a doctor, filial piety, Asian guilt, why not following our heart has dire consequences, and tips on how to manage parental expectations.
Published 11/11/19
Yellow Fever!! Exoticism, objectification, and fetishizing of the yellow skin. It’s prevalent everywhere and every single Asian I’ve known has faced this in dating and especially interracial relationships. In this episode, I talk about the origins of fetishism, my experience with it, gay dating apps, and how to manage racial fetishism.
Published 10/30/19
This week, we had three major cases got up against the Supreme Court regarding discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We talk about the three cases, the importance of them, and some advice on how to approach discrimination in the workplace.
Published 10/14/19