Get RAW Podcast
49 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsAfter 30+ years of being an Asian woman, Stephanie Chen grew tired of feeling underrepresented, unheard, and misunderstood. "There must be other women out there feeling this way," she mused. "I wish I could hear their stories. Let's make a podcast!" Ok, so maybe it wasn't that simple. Maybe it was an idea developed over years, from hundreds of conversations, with dozens of amazing women, all who felt a little lost, a little defiant, and more than a little silenced. Here are their stories.
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Episodes
Getting RAW-er
August 28, 2023 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.35 MBToday’s episode is my first completely unedited, extremely raw update - recorded in my bathroom, where I often talk to myself. Before you worry; I am A-OK, and honestly in a better place now than I ever have been. I’ve been spending the last year(s) and especially the last six months really focusing on my health in all the ways: mentally, emotionally, physically. I also started a dream job four months ago, so I could not be more grateful for where I am and who I am surrounded by. Even as ...
Lost at Sea
February 02, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBFinance Degree? or Art Degree? Play it safe? or Shoot for the Moon? What's the right order? When Sculptor, Caretaker, Job seeker, Dreamer, Debbie Vu of Alief, Houston reached out to me on *LinkedIn, a 30 min conversation turned into an episode on why being (only) good at school can leave you (really) lost when it comes to real life. Meanwhile, CALLING ALL HOUSTON VIETNAMESE FINE ARTISTS - Connect to Debbie (IG: @art_dtv) to create a community of artists that understand and represent you! ...
Useless Potato.
January 26, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBSometimes I feel like a useless potato. Sometimes YOU may feel like a useless potato. But you are NOT a useless potato! I am also NOT a useless potato! "There's no such thing as a Useless Potato. Potatoes can be made in so many ways. Fried, scalloped, mashed, julienned, salad-ed, turned into a battery. Just because potato you is sitting in a (sad) sack in the dank cellar right now, wondering what is to become of you, does NOT mean you are not destined to turn into something yummy." - Speci...
Defiantly Undefinable
June 19, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBMichelle is 20 years old, battling not just Lymphoma and chemo, but her mental health, her friendships, her confidence, her outlook on life and on .... everything. In a world that fosters everyone knowing everything about everyone, does caring too much what others think ultimately lead to us caring LESS about what really matters? This episode is deeply emotional, and beautiful - just like Michelle - and a great reminder to all of us of what really matters in life. "Cancer doesn’t define m...
38 Years
June 03, 2022 21:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBI turned 38 two months ago. I've been on anxiety/antidepressant medication for 6 months. I was diagnosed with ADHD 2 weeks ago. I’m finally learning to be comfortable and proud of who I am. It’s hard as fck, but it’s awesome. This is my first ever non-edited episode! PS: I hope you will follow me on IG @getraw_podcast and consider sponsoring this podcast for $1 a month!
Share Your Grief
November 06, 2021 18:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this personal episode, Stephanie and her sister Wei Wei (Christine) finally do a podcast ... by accident. During a call about their 99 year old grandpa's passing, they remember his strength, vitality, and courage in escaping communist China - as well as how repressed their family is when it comes to dealing with grief and ... all feelings. Warning: Death, Crying, Cussing, Sad Feelings
The Long White Con
September 15, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBWhat is life like for a biracial, white passing daughter of a mother that chose to erase her Indian heritage? How does looking "ethnically ambiguous" effect an actor when booking jobs? It's not enough Sheila is an executive producer, writer, show runner, opera singer, and krav maga-er. On top of it all, she is a role model, philosopher, mental health advocate, and veritable geyser of wisdom and humor. From creating a safe set on her upcoming project Night, Mother to representing BIPOC an...
The Fault of the Stars
August 30, 2021 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBAccording to her eastern and western zodiac signs, Stacy is a riotous combo of a stubborn ox and fiery ram. Just kidding, Stacy hates astrology. And compliments. And parental PDA. And marriage. And Affluent Anti-Affirmative Action Asians. So how did a painfully shy girl turn into an irreverent, irrepressible illustrator that people just can't get to shut up? Get ready to hear a lot of opinions, and laugh - a lot. Visit getrawpodcast.org for Stacy's illustrated story about a hilarious conv...
Defend Yourself
August 27, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 7.7 MBWhat happens when Stephanie's neighbor's dog attacks her dogs for the third time in three months? Does she channel Leslie's training to defend herself and her pup? Part 2 of "You are Worth Defending" with Leslie. Bonus: Listen to the recording between the neighbor, the police, and me. Fun times. For those who haven't checked it out, you really need to let Leslie empower you at reclaimingyourcourage.com Special thanks to Jerry who taught this podcast host over a decade ago about the "One...
F*&%ing F#@$
August 10, 2021 02:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBWhere did our Instagram Account go? Down the Sh*tter. What happened? Was it because I pulled The Tower card in my last Tarot card reading?! Find out in this mini episode. www.getrawpodcast.org
You Are Worth Defending
August 05, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBLove. Freedom. Strength. Vulnerability. These are the tenets of Leslie Lew, Martial Arts / Female Empowerment / Modern Self Defense Coach & Badass Kung Fu Witch . If you have EVER felt hesitant standing up for yourself at work, at home, or in life, Leslie is the guide and verbal hug we all didn't know we desperately needed. From overcoming generational to personal trauma, to being bullied at work, to potentially losing faith in romantic love, Leslie teaches us in this inspirational episode...
The Snakehead
July 26, 2021 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBOur producer Kristal hosts this episode, telling the very dark, twisting, fascinating and TRUE story of Sister Ping, Queen of the Snakeheads, arguably the most successful documented human smuggler in history and based right in the heart of New York’s Chinatown. From warring Fujianese street gangs, to international money laundering, to sneaky-sneak side deals with the FBI, fans of the HBO Show Warrior (and women led organized crime syndications) will NOT want to miss this. Also, there is a...
What I Wish I Knew
July 23, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBJordana is full of wishes. She wishes to be more connected to her Chinese culture. She wishes she knew more before engaging in hookup culture. She wishes she knew her birth parents. She wishes her two Jewish dads were ok with her wearing spaghetti straps. She wishes people were more ok with her emotions, her thoughts, her opinions - and if they're not, actually, come to think of it.... she doesn't care. The thing about Jordana is, she's not just a dreamer, she's a doer. She KNOWS she will ...
He/Him/His
June 17, 2021 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBOn the inaugural episode of Real Asian Voices, Sho Morikawa opens up about his experience as an Asian American trans man. From telling his Asian parents (while navigating language barriers) to telling his girlfriend he's trans, Sho shares and bares all, with humor, vulnerability, and awe-worthy honesty. "People who identify as queer ... their identity tends to be more fluid, and that may or may not have to do with the fact that once they identify with the queer community, you're exposed to...
Parenting in a Racist World
April 30, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIt is a truth universally acknowledged that the course of the parent/child relationship never did run smooth. Why didn’t our Asian immigrant parents talk to us about their/our feelings? Was that because they didn’t love us, or were they just dealing with their own trauma? How many of you now, as parents, are grappling with how to raise kids – trying to uphold the values of your honored ancestors while teaching them empathy so they don’t grow up to be racist a-holes? Also – what do you do...
Coconut
March 31, 2021 01:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBEver been called a Coconut 🥥 or a Banana 🍌? No, not the yummy tropical fruit, but the racial slur. Reclaiming the pejorative word in her upcoming book "Coconut" is Nisha Patel - a self proclaimed queer, fat, femme, disabled poet laureate and artist of color. A poetry slam champion, poetry publishing house founder, writer in residence at a library, and prolific public performer, what really makes Nisha a badass is not her awe-inspiring array of accomplishments, but her clear sense of self,...
No Shame, All Gain
March 19, 2021 19:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBWe work out, we eat healthy, we go to the doctor when we don't feel well. Why don't we treat our minds and hearts with the same level of care? Why is mental health still not prioritized, especially amongst Asians, and why is there ANY negative stigma at all towards one of the BEST THINGS YOU CAN EVER DO FOR YOURSELF? Therapy: No Shame, All Gain. If listening to amazing mental help therapist Diana in this episode doesn't make you realize how AMAZING therapists can be, this podcast host wi...
No Shame, All Gain.
March 19, 2021 19:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBWe work out, we eat healthy, we go to the doctor when we don't feel well. Why don't we treat our minds and hearts with the same level of care? Why is mental health still not prioritized, especially amongst Asians, and why is there ANY negative stigma at all towards one of the BEST THINGS YOU CAN EVER DO FOR YOURSELF? Therapy: No Shame, All Gain. If listening to amazing mental help therapist Diana in this episode doesn't make you realize how AMAZING therapists can be, this podcast host wi...
Don't Be Less Vietnamese
March 05, 2021 13:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBPSA to all Asians: Did you know that dating outside your ethnicity can make you LESS Asian? We didn't either. Meet Alicia, a first-gen Vietnamese American, Master of Public Health student who struggles daily not to become "Less Vietnamese" as she dates someone Black. SARCASM. You are not less of ANYTHING by dating outside your race. In this episode, Alicia shares the eternal joy of tolerating the opinions of relatives regarding one's dating life. Visit www.getRAWpodcast.org for more info!
Happily Ever After ... Divorce
February 22, 2021 21:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBNews Flash! Your life is NOT over after a divorce (or two!) Also, not staying with the same human partner until you die does NOT make you a failure - no matter what your Asian family says. Thank goodness for Grace, a defiant, daring, and dating divorcée - listen and learn, and then love - however you damn well please. Visit www.getRAWpodcast.org for recommended content by Grace!
You Are NOT Your Work
February 09, 2021 18:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBImagine being a newly grad, arts focused young professional with immigrant parents who want you to be a doctor or lawyer (no joke) during the height of a global pandemic while living at home. How do we NOT let ourselves be defined by the external, cultural, familial, societal, and self applied pressures to 'succeed' in the job market? How do we stay motivated, creative, active - when it's honestly hard enough to just get out of bed? Also - we dish a bit about Bling Empire. Hate it or Love i...
22 Me
January 24, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBErica is mouthy, opinionated, rebellious. An artist, photographer, and musician hailing from Singapore, this F bomb dropping young lady sounds off on the struggles of being a creative, refusing to be a cog in the corporate machine, Asian on Asian racism, and giving herself and her grandma at home tattoos during quarantine. From fighting the power of parental disapproval to surprisingly sage advice on dating, you don't want to miss out on Erica's wild, winsome wisdom! Check out Erica's musi...
I'm Not a Bad Asian Girl
January 20, 2021 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBSeason 1 of the RAW Podcast kicked off in 2019 with the pilot episode: "I'm Not a Good Asian Girl." Almost 2 years later, Stephanie reveals the racism, harassment, and gaslighting that caused her to quit her toxic job, leave the city of Houston, and launch this podcast series. Through the soothing guidance of guest host Peter, a scientific interview originally conducted to study instances of racism experience by Adult Children of Immigrants turns into a healing conversation, a surprising rea...
What Do You Want?
December 23, 2020 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.33 MBWhat DO you want? What do YOU want? What do you WANT? When was the last time you thought about it? After six months of just trying to survive and stay sane, a random encounter with a juggling club in the middle of Bryant Park in New York City has woken me up again. Here ends Season 1 of the Get Raw Podcast! www.getRAWpodcast.org
Black Lives Matter
June 11, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MB"Being Black shouldn't be exhausting. Racism is exhausting." Omar shares what it's like growing up Black in America and why this movement isn't about politics, but about humanity. What can the Asian (and non Asian) community to do be an ally? Listen, learn, and keep the pedal to the medal. Most of all, Omar shares the best tool we can arm ourselves with as a society. www.getRAWpodcast.org
RADs with HSP
June 08, 2020 01:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBReal Asian Dudes with HSP (Find out what it means to me). Meet Terence and Michael, two amazing men who recently discovered they are a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). What does it mean to be a male HSP, especially if you grow up in an Asian household that believes "men don't cry?" Why is sensitivity something we should appreciate in others and honor within ourselves -- now more than ever? www.getRAWpodcast.org
Be Kind, Rewind
June 02, 2020 21:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBPandemic. Riots. Racism. Abuse. Trauma. Grief. Anxiety. Depression. Guilt. Anger. There a lot of bad things out there right now, guys. What should we do when we feel overwhelmed and confused by it all? www.getRAWpodcast.org
Thanks for Listening
June 01, 2020 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThree and a half years and lots of therapy later, Stephanie names her abuser online and addresses the flood of responses that result from that decision. Why is it particularly difficult for the Asian community to talk about the horrors that lurk behind close doors? What happens when we start to talk openly and name names? Fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, and righteous anger are only the beginning. Sequel to "Please just Listen" Episode. Trigger Warning: Physical, Mental, and Emotional Abuse. w...
Where is the Line?
January 30, 2020 02:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBKobe Bryant. His death stirred up a lot of emotions, a lot of debate, and a lot of questions. Ramneet is back and armed with rage, research, and rapid rhetoric as she leaves us with the unanswered question: If someone can commit atrocities and still be worshiped upon their death, what message does that send? Where is the line? Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault & Rape. www.getRAWpodcast.org
Please Just Listen
October 09, 2019 00:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MB21–55% of Asian women in the U.S. report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. So WHY is no one talking about it? In this podcast, Kristal and Stephanie share personal stories of past abusive relationships, explain why it's so hard to share, and discuss how we can be more supportive as a community to the (too) many survivors around us. Trigger warning. www.getRAWpodcast.org
How to Stay Friends and Ditch Toxic People
October 01, 2019 22:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBCelebrating 15 years of friendship, Stephanie and Jenny dissect why it is that some friendships last while others wither. What DOES it take to be a good friend, stay a good friend, and communicate your needs - without being an asshole? And if the friends in YOUR life aren't boosting you up - maybe it's time to ditch a b*tch? www.getRAWpodcast.org
What Will People Think!?
September 17, 2019 23:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBSouth Asian, East Asian, ALL first gen immigrant children have been warned at some point to 'behave' - lest ye be judged! What impact does this mindset have on our mental health, our relationship with our parents, and our stressful strive towards perfection? What happens when we STOP letting our lives be dictated by the phrase: "What will people think?!" www.getRAWpodcast.org
16 Weddings
September 11, 2019 03:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBOther than grades, is there anything else Asian parents nag their kids about more than getting married? In our hilarious 16th episode, Ramneet talks about the 16 weddings she's invited to this year, and how she deals with parents who bug her NON-stop to get married. www.getRAWpodcast.org
Eat, Travel, Live
September 04, 2019 02:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB1 year after the recording of her first podcast session and after 5 months of living abroad, what has Sonsera learned about going outside her comfort zone while eating, traveling, and living - with intention? Has she finally learned to give less f*cks? www.getRAWpodcast.org
I WANT
August 27, 2019 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBAt some point we were taught that thinking / saying / doing what you want somehow means you're "bad" - Declaring "I want" means you're selfish, disobedient, ungrateful. But do we really prefer a generation of robots? What do you do when your whole life has been planned out and now you’re on your own? How do we learn to break free and discover what WE want in OUR lives? Find out with our youngest guest yet - Katherine! www.getRAWpodcast.org
Speechless
August 20, 2019 20:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBAs the first Asian American (and Asian American female) to serve as Speaker of the Student Senate at Texas A&M University, Jasmine shares all the ways the powers that be tried to keep her speechless during her term. While working for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas during the 2019 Texas legislative session, Jasmine experienced taunts and threats, berating and blocking. So just how does one keep on fighting the good fight - when it seems like everyone is against you? www.getRAWpodcast.org
The Farewell
August 13, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBIf you haven't seen The Farewell, go so see it. Like, right now. If you've seen The Farewell, and/or have Asian parents or grandparents, this episode is for you. Join Rachel, who actually hails from China and eloquently provides some much needed emotional balm for the gaping wound the movie left behind in my soul. www.getRAWpodcast.org
The Importance of Being ... Happy
August 06, 2019 17:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBAs the spawn of tiger moms & dads, we were always asked "What could you have done better?" and not "What makes you happy?" How has this mindset impacted our life choices - from college majors to career decisions to relationships? Is it too late to shift our focus and prioritize happiness at 25? 35? 45? Join Angeline during her quarter life crises as she questions ... everything. www.getRAWpodcast.org
Sexism & Racism & Ageism, Oh My!
July 30, 2019 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBBroadcasting from Houston Chinese Youth Camp, PhD-to-be Amy covers a spectrum of issues that impact young/old/male/female Asian Americans today. Pay Gaps, Ageism, Sexism, Racism, Work Culture, Immigrant Culture, Alpha males in the wild... So how DO we gain awareness of the injustice we face every day, navigate around it, and create sustainable, positive cultural change in our communities? www.getRAWpodcast.org
Hustle & Hope
July 19, 2019 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBOur Asian parents taught us to hustle, but were we really taught to hope? PS: Where the heck has this podcast been in the past month? Find out! www.getRAWpodcast.org
I'm (NOT) Too Old For This Shit
June 18, 2019 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB"Too old, too girly, too silly"… Is your "Egoic Self" limiting you from real experiencing joy? Why do we wait until it's too late to tell people we appreciate them? Do Asians have a harder time accepting compliments? How do we have courageous conversations and deal with shit in an adult way? But first. You get to hear our returning guest Gloria sing the Egg Song. Because you're never too old for the Egg Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNndX9qua1o | www.getRAWpodcast.org
I'm (NOT) Too Old For This Shit
June 18, 2019 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB"Too old, too girly, too silly"… Is your "Egoic Self" limiting you from real experiencing joy? Why do we wait until it's too late to tell people we appreciate them? Do Asians have a harder time accepting compliments? How do we have courageous conversations and deal with shit in an adult way? But first. You get to hear our returning guest Gloria sing the Egg Song. Because you're never too old for the Egg Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNndX9qua1o | www.getRAWpodcast.org
Less Pain, More Gain
June 10, 2019 21:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBDo you often relive the pain from your past? How do we stop creating pain in our present? Have Asians been brainwashed by our culture to not speak up - even against pain? When does tough love become too tough? What is the secret to inner peace? Find out in episode 7, featuring Gloria basically living Ch 2 of The Power of Now. www.getRAWpodcast.org
Tame Your Inner Angry Toddler
June 03, 2019 22:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBDo you control your thoughts, or do they control you? Does your inner angry toddler run your life? Are you upset with the past and anxious about the future? If so, this episode is for you. In this mini-podcast, Stephanie explores the concepts of Eckhart Tolle's international bestseller, The Power of Now. Each episode features a new chapter and more uncensored sh*t. Chapter 1: You Are Not Your Mind. www.getRAWpodcast.org
It's Gonna Be Ok
May 31, 2019 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBAre you an artist with Asian parents? Do you have a hard time finding inspiration and a harder time knowing how to relax? Are your family dynamics kinda f*cked and leave you feeling like nothing you do is good enough? This podcast with Jennifer shares how we cope and hope that it's all gonna be OK. www.getrawpodcast.org
Being Ok with Not Being Ok
May 24, 2019 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBWhy do we feel pressure to act 'OK' when we don't feel OK? What are the dangers of repressing your feelings? How do we learn the "Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK?" How do we balance empathy for others while not allowing ourselves to be disrespected? Find out with Sonsera! www.getRAWpodcast.org
How to Not Hate on Game of Thrones
May 19, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBInconsistent character development. Plot holes. Limitless WTF?! moments. Before you watch the last episode, let Game of Thrones guru Jennifer redeem your faith in GoT just before the big finale. **Spoiler alert if not caught up with S08E05 of GoT. www.getRAWpodcast.org
The Four Stages of Life
May 16, 2019 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBAs the inaugural guest of the Raw Podcast, Sonsera talks about the pitfalls of comparing yourself to others and how a Chinese cultural camp helped her transition into the next stage of life. 14 years later, the pressures of growing up second generation Asian American still sounds pretty darn familiar. www.getRAWpodcast.org
I'm Not a Good Asian Girl
May 15, 2019 01:00 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MBHow to be every Asian immigrant parent's nightmare: Quit your full time job. Start a podcast. Talk about not playing by the rules, not studying hard, doing whatever the heck you want, and ... your parents. www.getRAWpodcast.org