The Dave Chang Show

Underrated/Overrated: ’90s Edition, Book Tours, and How to Menu: Kopitiam With Rachel Khong

Apr 22, 2024

Author Rachel Khong joins Dave Chang and Chris Ying to discuss her novel 'Real Americans' and upcoming book tour. They explore Asian American stories, '90s trends, and creating a Malaysian brunch menu. The conversation covers family dynamics, writing a novel, and the culinary use of foams.

01:08:30

Episode guests

Rachel Khong

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Rachel shares the emotional turmoil of writing a novel, facing uncertainty and exhaustion in the editing process.

Cultural barriers in Asian families hinder open discussions about emotions and personal histories.

Listening to the audio book version post-writing leaves Rachel emotionally drained despite anticipation for feedback.

Deep dives

The Challenge of Writing a Novel Over Six Years

Rachel reflects on the challenging process of writing a novel over six years, highlighting the mental and emotional strain, the difficulty of starting each day with uncertainty about the progress, and the continuous cycle of editing and rewriting, culminating in a persistent feeling of uncertainty and exhaustion across the years.

Introduction

3min

Cashback Rewards and Pasture-Raised Eggs with Guest Introduction

2min

Nostalgic Conversations about Fake IDs

9min

Cashback credit card, eggs, UGG spring collection, and reflections on agency

2min

Exploring Personal History and Communication in Asian Families

19min

The Long and Winding Road of Novel Writing

18min

Nostalgia for Outdated Items

5min

Foam in Culinary Creations and Constructing a Malaysian Brunch Menu

8min

Restaurant Etiquette, Guest Respect, and Literary Expectations Banter

3min

Dave is joined by Chris Ying and Rachel Khong to discuss Rachel’s latest novel, 'Real Americans,' and her upcoming book tour. The trio then play Underrated/Overrated with ’90s trends before going into a How to Menu of Kopitiam in New York’s Lower East Side.

Topics covered include learning parents’ stories as an Asian American, Dave’s love of 'The Matrix,' and the culinary definition of a foam.

Hosts: Dave Chang and Chris Ying

Guest: Rachel Khong

Producers: Victoria Valencia and Euno Lee

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The Dave Chang Show

Underrated/Overrated: ’90s Edition, Book Tours, and How to Menu: Kopitiam With Rachel Khong

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Challenge of Writing a Novel Over Six Years

Navigating the Lack of Communication in Asian Families

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Completing a Book

Discussion of Childhood Influence on Parenting Styles

Nostalgic Reflections on Family Dynamics

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts