Feeling Asian

Cannot thank you enough for all of your support! Follow us on our socials @itsbrianpark and @ymmayer! Don't be a stranger and come see us perform at a live show.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2022

It’s the penultimate episode, ahh! There’s no better guest to go through all the feelings that come from it than poet, writer, and author of the widely acclaimed book Minor Feelings, Cathy Park Hong! We talk to her about life after writing the most essential book of our generation on Asian Americans, and how her writing and research have informed her activism in recent years. Cathy also gives advice for practicing artists, writers, and people who are getting in tune with new creative endeavors. What a wonderful way to start wrapping things up! Be sure to follow Cathy Park Hong at @cathyparkhong, and we really hope you enjoy this episode!

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2022

Take a trip down memory lane with us. We look back on our first episode of this podcast and reflect on how far we've come :') Follow us at @itsbrianpark, @ymmayer and @feelingasianpodcast. Thank you!

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2022

Haute Pod Episode! We have fashion influencer and creative director Vanessa Hong on this week to tell it like it is about the world of fashion. We unpack "influencer" and what it really means today; how the fashion industry responds to a new generation of eco-friendly, socially conscious consumers; and whether fashion has truly reached any equity for Asians and Asian Americans. No holds barred, people! If you want more Vanessa after this episode, you can follow her at @vanessahong. Enjoy!!

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2022

Hi everyone, it's a solo episode because we have an important announcement. Please listen!

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2022

We know…it’s about time we did a sports episode!! This week we are honored to have director Frank Chi on the pod to discuss his latest documentary, 38 at the Garden, out now on HBO! We talk about the new film, Linsanity, and the impact of Jeremy Lin’s history-making NBA run on us and New York. We also hear about Frank’s career turn from politics to filmmaking, which is really inspiring because we looove a good career pivot story. Enjoyed this episode? Please make sure to follow Frank Chi at @frankchi!

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2022

You’ll be absolutely gagged to hear that Kim Chi is our special guest this week! You may know her from her incredible run on RuPaul’s Drag Race or her beauty line, but her story behind the performance is so intricate, relatable, and delightful. We talk to Kim Chi about her experience on the show, being able to tour as a part of her career, and the performance and fulfillment of being a Korean American drag queen –– let alone the first ever Korean drag queen on American national television! Follow Kim Chi at @kimchi_chic and enjoy!!

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2022

This week we discuss our shifting roles as creatives and how we're adapting our inner and outer selves to the subsequent public perception. All that to say, we're leaning in and hope you'll join us! Also we dive deep into our childhood crushes. Have fun listening to this one, and be sure to follow us at @feelingasianpodcast on Instagram and TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2022

Did you know there’s such a thing as the Internet whisperer? We have her on the pod this week! Delia Cai is a senior correspondent at Vanity Fair, covering culture and celebrity with a knack for understanding Gen Z trends. We talk to her about NYFW, corporate try-hards, and her forthcoming novel Central Places. We also predict cultural trends with her, so if you see something popping off in the coming months…you heard it here first. Enjoy and follow Delia at @delia_cai on Twitter!

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2022

We hope you’re hungry for this week’s episode! Frankie Gaw is a Taiwanese American cook, writer, and designer whose debut book First Generation comes out in a month! If you don’t know his work yet, please go drool over his food photography at @littlefatboyfrankie before diving into this convo! We talk about his unconventional start in food writing and recipe development, how his Midwest upbringing influences his Taiwanese dishes, and “Asian fusion.” Have fun listening to this one, and hope you pass this along to a fellow food lover. And be sure to follow us at @feelingasianpodcast on Instagram and TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2022

Feeling Asian goes back to school this week with Dr. Russell Jeung (Professor at San Francisco State University, Founder of Stop AAPI Hate) and Anuradha Vikram (Curator and Faculty at UCLA, Co-Founder of Stop DiscriminAsian)! We asked each of our guests to come into the episode with an event or timeline in Asian American history that has become misunderstood or revised along the way – something that would surprise many first-year students, to put it simply. We think you’ll walk away from this one with some spicy topics for the next big family reunion lol! Please share this episode and as always, we appreciate your support on Patreon: (patreon.com/FeelingAsian). Happy learning!

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2022

We're back this week Feeling Asian classique style aka just us two! We've had a string of amazing guests and felt it was time to check-in with each other. Give it a listen and leave us a review. And as always, we appreciate your support via Patreon: patreon.com/feelingasian

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2022

Andrew Thomas Huang is a visual artist and film director known for his music videos for FKA twigs, Björk, Atoms for Peace, and more. We loooove his video for FKA twigs’ “Cellophane,” which resurfaced last year amid the hype over Lil Nas X’s video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” much of which was seemingly heavily lifted from Huang’s work. We dive into the comparisons, which leads to a larger discussion on who gets fed vs who makes the decisions in the creative industrial complex. Also – this is the cool part – we talk about finding inspiration in queer folklore and the importance of collaboration. Follow Andrew at @andrewthomashuang and weep while watching “Cellophane”! And as always, we appreciate your support via Patreon: patreon.com/feelingasian

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2022

A guest so nice, we bring ‘em on twice! Bohan Phoenix is back on the pod with us this week in the afterglow of his debut album release! The last time we spoke was in the thick of COVID-19 (weird vibes!); this time around we talk about feeling more uncertain than ever about your career after dropping a debut album, the expectations versus reality of it all, jewelry mishaps, and more. We also ask Bohan about NFTs because we know they have a rep of sorts, but he’s found a way for them to help his art. Follow Bohan at @bohanphoenix, put ‘City Are For Fools’ into rotation, and enjoy this episode! Don’t forget that we are on Patreon for more bonus content: patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2022

This week we have an OG in the podcasting world! Kulay Vilaysack is a comedian, writer, director, show runner, former co-host of the Who Charted? podcast and most recently a co-host of Add To Cart podcast! We talk to her about what our consumption patterns reveal about our psyches, letting things simply happen (AKA don’t cockblock the universe), and her 2019 documentary. We also pitch show ideas…tell us how we did! Enjoy this wonderful episode and hope to see you on Patreon! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2022

(TW: SA) This week we talk to JY Choi, a sex educator and sex toy shop owner based in Korea (insert audible gasps here). In a country that is still working hard to bring sex positivity and sexual wellness into the mainstream, Choi is a pioneer in her field. We talk to her about working as a freelance educator, creating a more female-focused sex toy industry, and the cultural significance of Jeju Island sea divers. We have a feeling this will be an instantly beloved episode! Follow JY Choi at @standupjy and subscribe to our Patreon for bonus content!

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2022

This episode belongs on the summer festival main stage: we have electronic music producer and artist Sajeeb Saha aka Jai Wolf with us this week! We talk about EDM (you know, the genre that everyone has an opinion about) and all of the misconceptions and changes that it has endured over the last decade. Sajeeb also breaks down all of its different scenes as well as the many forms that your identity can take in your creative practice. Follow him at @jaiwolfx, add “We Will Meet Again” to your feel-good playlist, and subscribe to our Patreon for bonus content! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2022

From sneaking into Parsons’ silk screen lab to making sneaker history: we have hometown legend Jeff Staple in the house today! You may know this creative visionary for his DIY roots and shaking up streetwear with his Nike Dunk Low SB collab “NYC Pigeon.” We talk to Jeff about his come up in streetwear, what draws people to the scene, the current state of sneaker culture, and reimagining work-life balance now that he’s decades into his business. Follow @jeffstaple on Instagram and catch us on Patreon for bonus content from this episode!

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2022

Look out, Feeling Asian has gone international (from our bedrooms)! Our guest this week is cartoonist and cultural worker Kaitlin Chan, whose work has appeared on The New Yorker, Popular, and The Margins! We talk to her about living in Hong Kong, creating cartoons about your feelings, the idea that the U.S. is the literary/film/art capital of the world, and feminism in Asia. Tune in for a very honest and soul-soothing conversation and follow Kaitlin at @kaitlinmchan! Please share with your closest friends and family members and let them know to support us on Patreon for bonus content and upcoming goodies :)

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2022

Elizabeth Ito is a director, writer, storyboard artist, and recent Peabody Award recipient for her show City of Ghosts! We discussed what the writers rooms look like for our favorite animated series (like Adventure Time!), having your own award-winning Netflix show (but also not having it renewed :\), and what we could all learn from children. Also, the bane of everyone’s existence – industry parties. Follow Elizabeth Ito at @ottersnaps on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe for more bonus content at patreon.com/FeelingAsian!

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2022

ALOK is a comedian, poet, author, and this week’s amazing guest who many of you have asked us to have on the show! We talk to them about using comedy as an instrument for social good, embracing our sense of play as adults, and the hypocrisy of gender constructs in society. Thank you Alok for the reminder to feel radicalized in the midst of devastating news rather than despair <3 Follow them at @alokvmenon and subscribe to our Patreon for more bonus content!

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Yumi Nu is a model and singer-songwriter who recently graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, becoming the first plus-size model of Asian descent to do so!! Our hearts swell when we think about all the self-love and kindness she shows herself. We talk to Yumi about what helped her embrace her beauty, reclaiming her Asian identity later in life, and the embarrassment of butt-scooting into Ubers. Follow Yumi at @_yumi_nu on Instagram and Twitter and be sure to subscribe to Feeling Asian on Patreon for bonus content! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2022

Luna Li is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer…basically there’s nothing she can’t do!! Based in Toronto, the artist first took off at the height of the pandemic with her at-home jam sessions which led to her blissful debut album Duality. We talk to her about coming up as an outsider in the Toronto garage rock scene, our rider wishlists, and growing into your own in the afterglow of debuts. Put “Alone But Not Lonely” on your summer ~yearning~ playlists and follow Luna Li at @lunalilunalilunali on Instagram and @lunaliband on Twitter. And subscribe to our Patreon if you want to join us for our next Zoom hang and AMA with Youngmi’s mom on June 24! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2022

We are so honored to have Lucy Yu of Yu and Me Books on the pod this week! Yu and Me Books is the first female Asian American owned bookstore in NYC and we were so eager to have the founder on after Youngmi heard her speak at an event last month. Tune in to learn about how Lucy, a lifelong career changer, began as a chemical engineer but then followed her dream of opening a bookstore and eventually created a grounding community space in Chinatown. Also in this episode: tears, hot takes, and trauma bonding over college. Follow Yu and Me Books at @yuandmebooks and psst – Patreon subscribers also get summer book recs!

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2022

Zoe Si is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated cartoonist, illustrator, and a firm believer that when words fail, a cartoon can succeed. Too often, her comics and autobiographical doodles make us go “wow I feel seen.” Zoe and we talk about the craziness of being named a Pulitzer Prize finalist for your cartoons, her past life as a lawyer, and the joy of being creative on your own terms. This will be an inspiring episode for anyone who has gone or is going through a chapter in their lives where they are contemplating a new field of work. Following Zoe on Instagram (@zoesees) is a must and be sure to follow our Patreon for bonus content! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2022

Sheena Melwani is a content creator with the most infectious laugh known to TikTok. You may know her from her wholesome videos with her family, who love to put the biggest smile on her face (goals). We talk about letting the universe guide you and following its signs, and how it is never too late to pursue your dreams. This is especially true for mothers! We hope you tune in because this is a bright and positive one :). Follow Sheena at @sheenamelwani and be sure to subscribe to our Patreon for bonus content! patreon.com/FeelingAsian

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2022

Ke Huy Quan is an actor who most recently played leading man Waymond in Everything Everywhere All At Once. We consider this his celebratory return to the big screen given our earliest memories at the movies are of watching him in The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom! We talked about his return to acting, why his recent role as Waymond makes him so happy and hopeful, and redefining masculinity. Thank you so much Ke for your vulnerability throughout this episode and for your beautiful perspective on what makes life so full (“you don’t know how good sweet tastes until you try sour”). Guys...you're going to love this one. Be sure to follow Ke at @kehuyquan and spread the word about this ep!

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2022

Stephanie Hsu plays Joy/Jobu Tupaki in Everything Everywhere All At Once. With a breakthrough performance where she stars opposite Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Ke Huy Kuan, the actress joins us to talk about the rock scene (*sniffles*), being kind and sweet in a cutthroat industry (*whimpers*), and allowing herself to love what she does (*cries*). We are also constantly thanking her throughout this conversation!! Follow Stephanie at @stephaniehsuofficial and if you loved this episode, subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/feelingasian for bonus content from this episode!

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2022

Phew. It was only a matter of time until we did this episode, and we’re pretty sure you are excited for this one as well. To celebrate Mother’s Day, we invite Youngmi’s umma Ippun and Brian’s noona Jessica to the pod and quickly learn that we are fated to become our mothers!! We also unpack some of your submissions when we asked you, “what is a conversation you wish you could have with your mom?” If you loved this episode, please like, subscribe, and follow Feeling Asian!

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2022

Alex Sujong Laughlin is a writer and audio producer who has created podcasts for the New York Times, Buzzfeed, and The Washington Post. You might know her recent work on Normal Gossip (a must-listen for nosy lovers of banal gossip)! We talk about biases in newsrooms, knowing your worth, and ghostwriting. Oh, and ghosts. Listen to Alex’s amazing work on Normal Gossip and follow her at @alexlaughs on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share our podcast, too!

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2022

Lily Lizotte (she/they) aka THE BLSSM is an artist who hails from Sydney, Australia. Lily is our inaugural Aussie guest and they had some choice words about what it was like growing up there. Lily also gives us an honest, inside look into the ups and downs of being an artist on the rise in the music industry. Go stream THE BLSSM right now!!! Be sure to like, subscribe, and share our podcast, too!

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2022

Nigel Ng is a London-based comedian who made a splash on the Internet with his “Uncle Roger” persona on TikTok and YouTube. We dive right in with Nigel about the image he’s created to provide commentary on Asian stereotypes, lampoon popular food critics and restaurateurs for their fascination with Asian dishes, and reflect on – you know – the “accent.” Follow him at mrnigelng on YouTube. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share our podcast, too!

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2022

Yaeji is an artist, singer, producer and mastermind behind your favorite club bangers. She joins us to discuss her artistic evolution and how to treat music as documentation. Yaeji also shares what it was like to develop her forthcoming album in Korea. It gets fiery too – we talk about confronting repressed emotions! Listen to Yaeji wherever you get your music and follow her at @kraejiyaeji. Like, subscribe and follow our podcast too!

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2022

We’re excited to bring back friend of the pod - Eric Kim! Eric is a cooking columnist at the New York Times and author of the memoir/cookbook Korean American! Bring the tissues because this is a heartfelt one. We dive into relationships and the validation of obtaining your dreams. Grab Eric’s book at your nearest bookstore and impress all your friends with your new favorite dishes! And as always, like, subscribe, patreon etc…

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2022

It's been a while since we've had a solo episode! We'ree gonna be honest - we had a rough patch and took a little break from each other. In true Feeling Asian fashion, we get real about our emotions on air. Don't worry we're not going anywhere! (Yet??? Lol jk)

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2022

Natalie Lee is the star of the hit reality show show Love is Blind on Netflix. We’re officially a part of the cultural zeitgeist! Natalie joins us to discuss her time on the show and what she learned from it all. She also dishes on some hot goss that you won’t get in the tabloids, but you’ll have to listen to find out! Follow her at @natalieminalee. Also please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your pods!

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2022

Chris Ying is a writer and co-host of The Dave Chang Show. He is popularly known as the editor in chief of the influential food imprint Lucky Peach but most importantly he is the naturally funniest guy. Chris and Youngmi recount the early aughts of their food careers and the beginning of their lasting friendship. We also dissect yelp-elite culture. Follow Chris at @chrisyingz! Also check out our Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2022

Rachel Nguyen is a fashion blogger, youtuber and bonafide internet "it girl". Rachel joins us to share her experiences of literally growing up on the internet before instagram and tik tok. We also analyze what it means to be “authentic” online and predict how our internet selves will evolve. Follow Rachel at @thatschic! Also check us out on Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2022

Yang-Yi Goh is the commerce editor of GQ and overall purveyor of good fits. Yang joins us to share his insights into the state of men’s fashion - the good, the bad, the ugly. We also do a fit check of your new fashion inspo aka young legend Mino Bowien. Follow Yang at @yanggoh! As always, if you like the pod please support us on Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2022

Kathy Kim is a puppeteer and voice of the first Asian-American Sesame Street muppet, Ji-Young. Kathy gives us the lay of the land into puppeteering and recounts her journey to Sesame Street. We also get real about self-worth and shedding the bad habit of crediting our accomplishments solely to circumstance. Please check us out on Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2022

An Li aka your "bully next door" is a professional dominatrix. This is a hot one! She joins us to discuss all things BDSM and provides an insider's perspective on sex work. If you've been curious about opening your sexual horizons then this is the episode for you. Follow her work at youremybit.ch! While you're at it, check out our Patreon too!

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2022

We are honored to have Lisa Ling and Helen Cho on Feeling Asian! Lisa Ling is a journalist, tv personality and Host of Take Out with Lisa Ling. Helen Cho is an Executive Producer and Showrunner of Take Out with Lisa Ling. We discuss the inspiration for the series and the importance of learning Asian history in America. We also get real about self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Go watch Take Out with Lisa Ling on HBO Max now!!! Also, please support us on Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2022

SASAMI is a visionary singer-songwriter and musician who has been described as “a Satanic Brian Wilson.” Aka the vibes are immaculate. She joins us to unpack toxic positivity and LA, and why more people could benefit from Korean-mom approved toxic negativity lol. SASAMI also gives us a peek into her upbringing in the Unification Church. Check out her forthcoming album Squeeze on Feb 25! Follow her at @sasamiashworth! Support us on Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2022

Janet Yang is an Emmy Award and Golden Globe winning Hollywood producer. With a career that spans decades, Yang came to prominence as Executive Producer of the iconic The Joy Luck Club and most recently as Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated animated feature Over The Moon. A true Hollywood legend! She details her instrumental role in introducing American films to China and vice versa early in her career and her ascent through the industry. Learn more about her at janetyang.com! Also don't forget to like and check out our Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2022

One on one pod today where we learn a little more about each other. Spoiler: one of us cries lol. We’re also incorporating some minor changes to the pod to give you all more of the juicy chaotic goodness! Please let us know your thoughts and, as always, thank you for listening :))))

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2022

Wilfred Padua is a NY-based comedian who regularly performs at comedy clubs and festivals across America. Up top, we address Wilfred’s jealousy-driven hate of us lol. Wilfred also opens up about being an outsider among Asians, performing in middle America and manifesting smooches in the coming year. Follow him at @wilfredpadua and important to note the DM’s are open. Please give us 5 stars on Spotify and Apple! Also check out our Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2022

It’s our last episode of the year! We take a stroll down memory lane and recap the highs, lows and the lessons we learned this year. Thank you for your support! It means so much to us! Happy New Year and we’ll see you all in 2022!

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2021

Jes Tom is a comedian and actor who was recently anointed by Vulture as a Comedian You Should Know in 2021. Jes joins us to discuss what comes with being a non-binary artist in this day and age. They also share highlights from their time working at a sex shop and explain why queers be having better sex. Follow them at @jesthekid. Also don't forget to like, subscribe and check us out on Patreon.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2021

James Park is a food content creator popularly known for his mouth-watering instagram @jamesyworld. James teaches us a thing or two about mukbang and spreading joy through good eats. We also trade insights on how to receive compliments better and overcome imposter syndrome. Follow James at @jamesyworld! Also if you have a moment, please like, subscribe and check out our Patreon!

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2021

Feeling Asian favorites Dylan Adler and Jenny Arimoto join us to talk dating and relationships! We answer your fiery questions which cover interracial relationships, coming out as queer, body dysmorphia and intra-Asian dating. Thank you to everyone who submitted their stories! Follow Dylan at @dylanadler_ and Jenny at @jennyarimoto. As always please don't forget to like, subscribe and check out our Patreon :)

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2021