ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST
406 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 208 ratingsKen Fong gets to the heart of Asian American culture, history, and spirituality. Through interviews with culture-makers and -shapers in the Asian American community -- some you know, others you've never heard of before -- prepare to laugh, cry, and be amazed.
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Episodes
Ep 346: Martha Millan
January 05, 2022 03:55 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBAustralian Filipina Martha Millan shares how she landed this career-defining role in first-ever prime time drama created by an Asian American woman and anchored by two AAPI actresses.
Ep 345: Matthew Yonemura
January 01, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 99.8 MB“Changing Tides” program coordinator Matthew Yonemura explains how a handful of Japanese American Millennials felt compelled in 2018 to launch a new non-profit to bring AAPI mental health problems out of the shadows and into normal conversations.
Ep 344: Miranda Kwok
December 29, 2021 05:36 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBAfter working as a writer/producer on The 100 for 4 seasons, Miranda earned a blind script deal with Warner Bros. Television. She developed an adaptation of the original Argentine series "La Chica Que Limpia" and is the creator and executive producer of the U.S. television adaptation "The Cleaning Lady," which will air a ten-episode first season on the Fox Network on 1/3/22.
Ep 343: Elodie Yung
December 24, 2021 21:26 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBOn January 3, 2022 French Cambodian actress Elodie Yung will be the first Cambodian to star in a prime time drama (FOX) that has been created and executive produced by an Asian American woman, Miranda Kwok. She shares what this milestone means to her as an actress, and how she tapped into the pain and perseverance of her Cambodian father to give great depth to her character.
Ep 342: The Two Kens Collaborative Episode
December 21, 2021 23:57 - 40 minutes - 55 MBTrump has revealed that millions of Americans are eager to join a cult of personality, even if the person at the top is clearly deeply flawed and unfit to be followed. The evangelical world also has examples of this disturbing pattern, and one of the most current ones is Pastor Mark Driscoll and the two churches he has established.
The Two Kens Collaborative Episode
December 21, 2021 23:57 - 40 minutes - 55 MBTrump has revealed that millions of Americans are eager to join a cult of personality, even if the person at the top is clearly deeply flawed and unfit to be followed. The evangelical world also has examples of this disturbing pattern, and one of the most current ones is Pastor Mark Driscoll and the two churches he has established.
Ep 341: Tom Ikeda
December 19, 2021 06:30 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBBefore Tom Ikeda became Densho's Executive Director, he was the general manager in Microsoft's multimedia publishing group. His essential understanding of digitizing media and creating online platforms has enabled Densho both to preserve their trove of priceless videotaped interviews with formerly incarcerated Japanese Americans, and to make them accessible to historians, filmmakers, and the like.
Tom Ikeda
December 19, 2021 06:30 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBBefore Tom Ikeda became Densho's Executive Director, he was the general manager in Microsoft's multimedia publishing group. His essential understanding of digitizing media and creating online platforms has enabled Densho both to preserve their trove of priceless videotaped interviews with formerly incarcerated Japanese Americans, and to make them accessible to historians, filmmakers, and the like.
Ep 340: Lucca Wang
December 12, 2021 08:15 - 1 hour - 90.9 MBLucca Wang is biracial, being of Chinese and European descent, and grew up in the predominantly white Midwestern culture. During her 20’s she began to explore being Chinese more and connecting with others who are also multiracial Asian. Learning of the 1982 death of Chinese American man Vincent Chin during the upheaval of 2020 triggered her suppressed memory of violence that impacted her and her family when she was just 16 years old. She has sage advice for parents raising girls and children...
Lucca Wang
December 12, 2021 08:15 - 1 hour - 90.9 MBLucca Wang is biracial, being of Chinese and European descent, and grew up in the predominantly white Midwestern culture. During her 20’s she began to explore being Chinese more and connecting with others who are also multiracial Asian. Learning of the 1982 death of Chinese American man Vincent Chin during the upheaval of 2020 triggered her suppressed memory of violence that impacted her and her family when she was just 16 years old. She has sage advice for parents raising girls and children...
Ep 339: R. Scott Okamoto
December 05, 2021 23:02 - 1 hour - 97.4 MBR. Scott Okamoto grew up as a fervent Evangelical, oblivious to his ethnicity and culture, ignorant of issues of justice and racial reconciliation. His years serving as a leader in a campus ministry while in college filled in all these gaps, but when he graduated, he no longer fit in his family's church. While being a faculty member of an evangelical college, he began to deconstruct his faith entirely. He quit just before they were about to fire him.
R. Scott Okamoto
December 05, 2021 23:02 - 1 hour - 97.4 MBR. Scott Okamoto grew up as a fervent Evangelical, oblivious to his ethnicity and culture, ignorant of issues of justice and racial reconciliation. His years serving as a leader in a campus ministry while in college filled in all these gaps, but when he graduated, he no longer fit in his family's church. While being a faculty member of an evangelical college, he began to deconstruct his faith entirely. He quit just before they were about to fire him.
Ep 338: Raymond Douglas Chong
November 28, 2021 07:44 - 1 hour - 87.7 MBA recent audit of America's national monuments revealed what most AAPIs already know: there aren't any that uplift deserving individuals from our respective communities. If you missed the Op Ed by AsAm News staff writer Raymond Douglas Chong who wrote about this, here's your chance to eavesdrop on Ken's conversation with him.
Raymond Douglas Chong
November 28, 2021 07:44 - 1 hour - 87.7 MBA recent audit of America's national monuments revealed what most AAPIs already know: there aren't any that uplift deserving individuals from our respective communities. If you missed the Op Ed by AsAm News staff writer Raymond Douglas Chong who wrote about this, here's your chance to eavesdrop on Ken's conversation with him.
Ep 337: Dr. Warren Yamashita
November 21, 2021 08:15 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBDr. Yamashita is convinced that the Model Minority Myth among Asian Americans is exacerbating the rising rate of addictions in our communities. We reflect on the lessons from the Seventies, and also zero in on what many Asian American Christian churches need to do to stop stigmatizing those with addictions.
Dr. Warren Yamashita
November 21, 2021 08:15 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBDr. Yamashita is convinced that the Model Minority Myth among Asian Americans is exacerbating the rising rate of addictions in our communities. We reflect on the lessons from the Seventies, and also zero in on what many Asian American Christian churches need to do to stop stigmatizing those with addictions.
Ep 336: The Two Ken's Collaborative Podcast
November 18, 2021 23:47 - 37 minutes - 51.5 MBConservative columnist Jennifer Rubin recently wrote an Op Ed in WaPo with a similar provocative title, which prompted us to take a deep dive into this fascinating and relevant POV.
The Two Ken's Collaborative Podcast #7
November 18, 2021 23:47 - 37 minutes - 51.5 MBConservative columnist Jennifer Rubin recently wrote an Op Ed in WaPo with a similar provocative title, which prompted us to take a deep dive into this fascinating and relevant POV.
Ep 335: Kenneth Lui
November 14, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBKenneth Lui's first feature-length film--"Artists in Agony" is a mockumentary about assassins. Hearing about his unconventional approach to write and shoot it over a span of eight years gave me a much deeper appreciation for the kind of creativity and commitment that are required by up and coming indie filmmakers like Lui.
Kenneth Lui
November 14, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBKenneth Lui's first feature-length film--"Artists in Agony" is a mockumentary about assassins. Hearing about his unconventional approach to write and shoot it over a span of eight years gave me a much deeper appreciation for the kind of creativity and commitment that are required by up and coming indie filmmakers like Lui.
Ep 334: Dr. Russell Jeung
November 06, 2021 16:21 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MBDr. Russell Jeung and his two co-founders of Stop AAPI-Hate were recently recognized as icons of the effort to quell pandemic-fueled insults and attacks aimed at Asians and Asian Americans in the U.S. He talks about why it's critical to reshape the narrative surrounding BIPOC Americans, including those who are undocumented. And he concludes by hoping that the ongoing decline in America's Christian churches will catalyze the emergence of a re-focused remnant.
Dr. Russell Jeung
November 06, 2021 16:21 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MBDr. Russell Jeung and his two co-founders of Stop AAPI-Hate were recently recognized as icons of the effort to quell pandemic-fueled insults and attacks aimed at Asians and Asian Americans in the U.S. He talks about why it's critical to reshape the narrative surrounding BIPOC Americans, including those who are undocumented. And he concludes by hoping that the ongoing decline in America's Christian churches will catalyze the emergence of a re-focused remnant.
Jeffrey Gee Chin
October 31, 2021 20:50 - 1 hour - 93 MBFilmmaker Jeffrey Gee Chin wants to ensure that Japanese American Human Rights activist Sei Fujii (1882-1954) is revered and respected for all that he accomplished on behalf of Japanese immigrants, Japanese Americans, and all people of color. His biography, "A Rebel's Outcry," officially becomes available on 11/2/21. He also wants to create a film or TV series about Dr. Mabel Lee, who left quite a legacy in NYC's Chinatown and beyond.
Ep 333: Jeffrey Gee Chin
October 31, 2021 20:50 - 1 hour - 93 MBFilmmaker Jeffrey Gee Chin wants to ensure that Japanese American Human Rights activist Sei Fujii (1882-1954) is revered and respected for all that he accomplished on behalf of Japanese immigrants, Japanese Americans, and all people of color. His biography, "A Rebel's Outcry," officially becomes available on 11/2/21. He also wants to create a film or TV series about Dr. Mabel Lee, who left quite a legacy in NYC's Chinatown and beyond.
The Two Ken's Collaborative Episode
October 25, 2021 13:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBIf you're like me, after you finished "Squid Games," you were wondering what was worth bingeing next. Then you discovered "Midnight Mass," binged it, and now your head is swimming with all kinds of theories and questions. Last week we dropped a special episode where we discussed the first four episodes. After finishing the series, we could hardly wait to dive back into the "MM" deep end of the pool! So here it is.
Evan Jackson Leong
October 24, 2021 17:38 - 1 hour - 96.3 MBEvan Jackson Leong is best known for his documentary films. But he had long wanted to make a feature-length narrative film. He labored for years to write and edit the script for "Snakehead," and it finally will be in theaters at the end of October 2021.
Evan Jackson Leong
October 24, 2021 17:38Evan Jackson Leong is best known for his documentary films. But he had long wanted to make a feature-length narrative film. He labored for years to write and edit the script for "Snakehead," and it finally will be in theaters at the end of October 2021.
The Two Kens
October 20, 2021 04:12 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn this episode podcaster Ken Kemp and I dig into a new series on Netflix called "Midnight Mass." We both identified with the main character's struggles to live among people of faith on a tiny island while he no longer believes in any kind of higher power.
Dr. John Chuck
October 17, 2021 07:04 - 1 hour - 102 MBDr. Chuck recently self-published a book wherein he shares the sum total of all the wisdom he learned while caring for patients and medical colleagues for over three decades. His is especially passionate in his conviction that developing better mental health is the key to our experiencing greater overall health and satisfaction.
Claire Chao
October 10, 2021 16:09 - 1 hour - 98.4 MBClaire and her aging mother Isabel begin their journey together by visiting the once-beautiful mansion in Shanghai where the young Isabel had grown up. Much more than a trip down Memory Lane, "Remembering Shanghai" reveals the triumphs and tragedies going back five generations that mirror China's own challenges. Chao has layered the bones of this country's history with the flesh of her own family.
Dr. Lucas Emile Kwong
October 04, 2021 00:25 - 1 hour - 90 MBEarly in 2021, Dr. Kwong started a movement to challenge self-professing Christian politicians in D.C. (and their pastors) to admit that they were spewing hateful, racist rhetoric that was damaging their Asian American countrymen and fomenting the belief that China poses the biggest threat to this country. Was this incredibly naive on Kwong's part, or did he have another outcome in mind?
Shihori
September 26, 2021 00:02 - 1 hour - 102 MBBorn deaf in one ear and with a form of autism, Shihori had no friends and was terribly bullied. She was staring at a lonely, fraught future. But she discovered that singing and writing music provided her with the means and the motivation to connect with people. Despite achieving great success in Japan, she was recently inspired to start afresh in America, launching her debut album "Mutation" on October 1, 2021.
Ray Valido
September 19, 2021 21:28 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBBefore Ray's language prowess landed in the U.S. State Department, he felt God had called him to be a liturgist and musician in the Catholic Church that he so loved. But when he came out of the closet, he no longer believed that the Church would love him as much as he loved the Church. He reflects on the changes in the State Department, especially as it begins to admit its long history of homophobia and discriminatory practices against POC.
Dan Matthews
September 12, 2021 02:39 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBWhile Dan is the first to say that he's clearly a work in progress, he's managed to craft a mindset and a work ethic that keeps him positive and his creative juices flowing. You'll hear a sample of his latest songs at the end of the episode.
Hedy Wong
September 06, 2021 05:18 - 1 hour - 99.9 MBHedy Wong began writing a story that she knew: hers. But it took years of refining and determination to bring it to screens in 2020 as "Take Out Girl." She is beautiful, smart, street-savvy, and oozing with talent, bringing all of that to bear as the lead in this feature film.
Bao Tran
August 22, 2021 04:42 - 1 hour - 120 MBDirector/Writer Bao Tran has given us a rarity--a martial arts film where the fighters get older and have complicated lives! Ultimately, it's the timeless tale of aging warriors needing to rethink what they once believed and practiced in the face of today's challenges.
Lee Uehara
August 16, 2021 00:17 - 1 hour - 131 MBLee is a wife, a mom, a PTA leader, hosts several podcasts, and is the co-founder of the Asian American Podcasters Association (AAP), arguably the very first group to gather AAPI podcasters and those exploring possibilities. The lessons she imparts can be applied to so many aspects of our lives.
Nancy Yang
August 08, 2021 23:59 - 1 hour - 130 MBSuni Lee's Olympic triumphs have not only elevated her profile, but the heretofore invisible profile of her fellow Hmong Americans. Yet some are criticizing her for not displaying enough nationalism. Yang has been reporting on Lee and the Hmong American communities, and knows Suni well.
Ep 318: Darien Hsu Gee
August 02, 2021 06:57 - 1 hour - 131 MBAward-winning novelist and creative writer Darien Hsu Gee recently published her memoirs in the form of micro essays. We talk about the artform and required discipline, she recites several of them, and then we explore what these say about her relationship to her parents and only brother.
Darien Hsu Gee
August 02, 2021 06:57 - 1 hour - 131 MBAward-winning novelist and creative writer Darien Hsu Gee recently published her memoirs in the form of micro essays. We talk about the artform and required discipline, she recites several of them, and then we explore what these say about her relationship to her parents and only brother.
Jeanie Chang
July 26, 2021 15:13 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBEver since getting a 'wake up call' about her mental health at age 14, Chang has personally prioritized it, leaving a hard-earned position as a broadcast journalist and eventually going back to grad school to become a therapist. She is using her skills as a courageous communicator, entrepreneur, and clinician today to reduce the stigma of mental illness in AAPI communities, and to promote the pursuit of mental health.
Ep 317: Jeanie Chang
July 26, 2021 15:13 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBEver since getting a 'wake up call' about her mental health at age 14, Chang has personally prioritized it, leaving a hard-earned position as a broadcast journalist and eventually going back to grad school to become a therapist. She is using her skills as a courageous communicator, entrepreneur, and clinician today to reduce the stigma of mental illness in AAPI communities, and to promote the pursuit of mental health.
Kimo Cornwell
July 11, 2021 16:58 - 1 hour - 135 MBKimo Cornwell loves and plays all kinds of music, but he's been the keyboardist for legendary jazz-fusion group Hiroshima for the past 30 years. This is his story.
Ep 315: Kimo Cornwell
July 11, 2021 16:58 - 1 hour - 135 MBKimo Cornwell loves and plays all kinds of music, but he's been the keyboardist for legendary jazz-fusion group Hiroshima for the past 30 years. This is his story.
Ep 314: Matthew Oh
July 04, 2021 16:56 - 1 hour - 132 MBMatthew Oh grew up in a tiny Texas town as a Korean American whose athleticism and need for father figures led him to an unusual career in football at many different levels. But he has also been a stunt man, a model, and an actor. On top of all that, he developed a passion for bettering the lives of everyone, not just himself. So he launched Optimizing Healthy Meals in order to help reduce plastic waste and to provide clean drinking water where it's needed most.
Matthew Oh
July 04, 2021 16:56 - 1 hour - 132 MBMatthew Oh grew up in a tiny Texas town as a Korean American whose athleticism and need for father figures led him to an unusual career in football at many different levels. But he has also been a stunt man, a model, and an actor. On top of all that, he developed a passion for bettering the lives of everyone, not just himself. So he launched Optimizing Healthy Meals in order to help reduce plastic waste and to provide clean drinking water where it's needed most.
Jackie Faye aka Rapper Drippy J
June 25, 2021 23:56 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MBBy day, she's Jackie Faye the data engineer. But when the sun sets and the neon signs light up, she's rapper Drippy J. Hailing from Dallas, she drove alone to the City of Angels amidst the pandemic to pursue her dreams as an emerging artist.
Anthony Ma & Alle Hsu
June 21, 2021 06:36 - 1 hour - 103 MBThirty-nine years after 27-year-old Vincent Chin was murdered on the eve of his wedding, his case has proven to be a durable symbol during this current time of anti-Asian racism and violence in America. For the first time, filmmakers Anthony Ma and Alle Hsu publicly reveal overlooked or ignored aspects of this case that they've uncovered during their years of interviews and research.
YeSeul Kim
June 14, 2021 03:47 - 1 hour - 100 MBIf the definition of "serendipity" is when preparation meets opportunity, then YeSeul Kim is living a seriously serendipitous life! She is a social entrepreneur who merges the science of analyzing big data, the art of qualitative research, and the application of a growth mindset to fuel her passion for solving complex social problems. She is also a published photojournalist, noted conference speaker, emerging author, and stellar podcaster.
Liat Shapiro
June 06, 2021 19:38 - 1 hour - 136 MBLiat Shapiro is one of five Koreans who were adopted by a white American Christian family. She shares openly about how this has impacted her and her siblings differently, and that she is working with a non-profit in South Korea to create a culture where orphaned Koreans are readily adopted and accepted there.