Poetry Off the Shelf Museum of Stories
Jul 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Shin Yu Pai, a talented author and the voice behind the podcast 10,000 Things, delves into the emotional landscape of personal breakups and professional upheavals. She shares her reflections on storytelling within the Asian American community, highlighting how personal artifacts connect us. Pai also explores the significance of preserving memories in art and poetry, alongside the complexities of repatriating cultural artifacts. The conversation beautifully intertwines resilience, creativity, and the power of narratives in shaping our identities.
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Podcast Inception Amid Hate Crimes
- Shin Yi Pai started the 10,000 Things podcast in 2021 during rising anti-Asian hate crimes.
- She focused on objects to reveal Asian American storytellers' personal experiences and identities.
Objects as Red Herrings
- The show uses everyday objects as a 'red herring' to explore Asian American lived experiences subtly.
- This approach helps listeners relate before realizing the stories focus on Asian American identity.
Podcast Builds Real Community
- Asian American listeners found community and connection through episodes, such as the Ampersand Bike Club story.
- The bike club provided a healing Asian space after the Atlanta spa shootings.
