

Dear Asian Americans
Just Like Media
Dear Asian Americans is a podcast for and by Asian Americans, focusing on authentic storytelling rooted in origin, identity, and legacy. Host Jerry Won brings on guests from diverse backgrounds and career paths to celebrate, support, and inspire the Asian American community. New episodes air every Tuesday across all major platforms. Instagram: @dearasianamericans
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 19, 2020 • 56min
025 // Anne Gu // Co-Founder - Asian Subtle Traits // Creating a Not-So-Subtle Global Community
Meet Anne Gu!We celebrate Anne and her friends' initiative in starting Subtle Asian Traits and building a global movement that has changed the lives of millions and have inspired countless Asian communities globally.We support her and fellow community builders to create spaces for likeminded people to connect, laugh, and create together.We are inspired by the positive impact that can be initiated by a few people who decided to create something to bond over.*****Anne Gu is one of the co-founders of Subtle Asian Traits, a Facebook group founded in September of 2018 by friends who attended Chinese School together in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, it has grown into a global community of more than 1.7 people and has inspired many other "subtle Asian" groups to create community for various topics and cultures. Anne is currently a student at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.Join Subtle Asian Traits:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1343933772408499/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/subtleasiantraitsandcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/subtleasiantraits/Other Features:New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/11/world/australia/subtle-asian-traits-facebook-group.htmlNextShark: https://nextshark.com/subtle-asian-traits-interview/The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/12/the-asian-identity-according-to-subtle-asian-traits/579037/The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-story-of-the-subtle-asian-traits-facebook-groupVice: https://www.vice.com/en_asia/article/d3nexw/subtle-asian-traits-holds-up-a-mirror-for-asian-australians-like-meDear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together. Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms:Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.comApple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.comSpotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.comStitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.comGoogle: https://google.dearasianamericans.com Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans Like us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/*****Dear Asian Americans is delighted to invite you The New York City Asian American Student Conference, happening Saturday April 25, 2020 from 1-6pm EST virtually via Zoom. Come hear from speakers like Trisha Sakhuja-Walia and Julie Yeeun Kim, both Dear Asian American guests as well as future DAA guests like Jason Lee of Julibee Media, Jared Chung of Career Village, and Ace Watanasuparp of Citizens Bank.Learn more and register for free at www.NYCAASC.com

Apr 14, 2020 • 52min
024 // Nathan Nowack // Photographer & Entrepreneur // A Journey to Find His Biological Family & Lessons in Managing a Creative Business
Meet Nathan Nowack!We celebrate Nathan for all his awesome achievements and in raising a beautiful family of three children with his wife.We support his photography businesses and all other creatives as they navigate their businesses through these challenging times.We are inspired by him sharing the story of finding his biological family the so many stories like his.*****About Nathan...Photography has been a passion of mine for over 15 years. In 2007, I decided to step away from the multimedia industry and start my own company specializing in fine art photography. Finding more of a focus, I started capturing photojournalistic style weddings, portraits, and even commercial work. Since then, I have had the privilege to work with some Fortune 500 companies, local entrepreneurs, international brands, huge live events, and even travel internationally to places like Canada, Thailand, and Mexico. With 2 separate companies for different needs, each company has continued to grow. So whether I'm doing weddings or commercial work, I'm very appreciative of all the new connections I've made and the great clients that have trusted me to create the high quality media that has helped elevate their brands or mark their special occasions with life long memories. (Source: LinkedIn)Connect with Nathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathann/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nnowack/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathannowackDiscover Nathan's photography businesses:Nathan Nowack: https://www.nathannowack.com/Coverve: https://coverve.com/WeddingBros: http://wedding-bros.com/Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.Listen to the podcast on all major platforms and at www.DearAsianAmericans.comApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-asian-americans/id1500293933Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J8hBA879JPBORME0TrnWGStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=511139&refid=stprGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2RlYXItYXNpYW4tYW1lcmljYW5zLearn more about host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American owned business Seoul Sausage Company and its founders (and brothers) Yong and Ted Kim.Currently, they are providing KBBQ mealkits for pick-up in the Los Angeles area. Learn more and order one for you and one for a friend today:www.FoodEqualsFamily.com

Apr 9, 2020 • 53min
023 // Han Ju Seo // Founder - Asian Creative Network // Creating a Community for Creatives
Meet Han Ju Seo!We celebrate Han Ju for her decision to create a community that she felt lacking in the community and her dedication and hard work the past 18 months to build Asian Creative Network to what it is today.We support her creation, the Asian Creative Network, a home for Asian creative globally, and her future endeavors as a Venture for America fellow!We are inspired by her vision and her passion and are excited to see all that she will create in her life.*****Han Ju Seo is a current student at Washington University in St. Louis and the founder of Asian Creative Network. She is passionate about innovation and building communities. Han Ju has been able to explore her interests in entrepreneurship through founding an online organization, and she hopes to find a position where her adaptability, creativity, and love for learning can thrive. In the fall, she will join Venture For America as a fellow in St. Louis.Connect with Han Ju:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/han-ju-seo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seo_fetch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanju.seo.3Discover the Asian Creative Network!Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AsianCreativeNetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/asiancreativenetwork_/Web: http://asiancreativenetwork.org/Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together. Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms:Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.comApple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.comSpotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.comStitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.comGoogle: https://google.dearasianamericans.com Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans Like us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans Learn more about DAA Producer and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American community organization Koreatown Youth and Community Center, an amazing organization based in Koreatown Los Angeles that has been serving the community since 1975. From economic development, serving the youth, and to creating a home for the diverse community of Koreatown, KYCC has been leading the way in improving the lives of its community. We celebrate, support, and are inspired by Johng Ho Song, its long time Executive Director and his team.Currently, KYCC is hosting a fundraiser to both support local restaurants and to deliver meals for the elders in the community. Join their cause here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/koreatown-youth-and-community-center-inc/kycc-covid-19-fundraiser-support-local-restaurants-hot-meals-for-elders-in-koreatownwww.KYCCLA.org

Apr 7, 2020 • 40min
022 // Julie Yeeun Kim // Professor of Asian American Studies - California State University at Long Beach
Meet Julie Yeeun Kim!We celebrate Julie's academic achievements in pursuing graduate studies and teaching Asian American studies to help all of us better understand our history, identity, and way to help the community.We support Julie's singing and writing work as she entertains and nourishes our soul with her gifts.We are inspired by Julie's relentless work in helping our students be their best Asian American selves as they enter adulthood.*****Julie Yeeun Kim is a professor of Asian American Studies at California State University at Long Beach. She teaches undergraduate level courses in Asian American topics. Julis is also a singer and writer, you can find her YouTube and blog link below.Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-yeeun-kim-81bba7125/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieyeeun/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julynnkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPGcqdb2yy8oRuj8qJWuwhgBlog: https://julieyeeun.com/2020/03/17/being-asian-american-during-covid-19Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.Listen to the podcast on all major platforms and at www.DearAsianAmericans.comApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-asian-americans/id1500293933Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J8hBA879JPBORME0TrnWGStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=511139&refid=stprGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2RlYXItYXNpYW4tYW1lcmljYW5zLearn more about host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American owned businesses. Today we highlight and celebrate MILK+T, owned by our Episode 017 guest Stacey Kwong. Her and her team at MILK+T have created Lockdown Boba Kits so you can make your own awesome boba at home as you safely stay at home this week. They are delivering to homes across LA, Portland, and Las Vegas. Learn more and order yours today at instagram.com/milkandt We are also sponsoring a contest to give away one Lockdown Boba Kit to a lucky follower so be sure to check the details on the @MilkandT IG page#dearasianamericans #asianamericans #asianamericans #asianamericanstudies #asianamstudies #koreanamerican #julieyeeunkim #julieyeeun #milkandt #boba

Apr 4, 2020 • 51min
021 // Dr. Jang Cho // Supporting Children & Parents Through COVID-19 & Beyond
Welcome back Dr. Jang Cho to the show for Episode 021. I speak with the child psychiatrist on ways we can best support our children and ourselves during these challenging times by sharing how to best deal with the new realities of being home, how to best support our frontline healthcare friends and family, and on how to deal with anti-Asian racism and hate crimes.Available online resources mentioned in the episode.American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Libraries/Coronavirus.aspx This has many different resources from how to talk to kids about corona virus, to facts for families about kids' stress/ teen stress etc. MGH Center for Cross Cultural Student Emotional Wellness (Dr. Cho is a member of this organization)https://www.mghstudentwellness.org/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American owned business Olive Kollection, your go-to source for all things Korean beauty, face masks, and more. Visit them at www.OliveKollection.com and order today. They'll ship right away from Orange County! #DearAsianAmericans #AsianAmericans #KoreanAmericans #mentalhealth #wellbeing #childpsychiatrist #koreanamericanmoms #asianamericanmoms #podcast #asianamericanpodcasts #asianpodcasts

Apr 3, 2020 • 1h 3min
020 // Tai Tran // Founder of Asians Never Die // How Comedy Created a Digital Community
Meet Tai Tran!We celebrate Tai's success of building Asians Never Die into a community on Facebook that is one million strong. We celebrate his ability to take his comedic genius and help Asian across the world find comedy, culture, and community.We support Tai and his work to help bring not only humor, but also important issues in Asian American community. We are inspired by his humble beginnings, his dedication to his craft, and his bold leap into making Asian Never Die his full-time job after a long career in technology.*****Tai is the Founder of Asians Never Die and many other household names in Asian American digital community building. Originally from San Jose, he attended UC Riverside where he was a member of Pi Alpha Phi fraternity and was very involved in Asian American community activities. Channeling his passion for comedy and entertaining people with an Asian twist, he started Asians Never Die as a side hustle meme page in 2016, eventually making it his fill-time endeavor in 2018.Connect with Tai:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtymcfly/Asians Never Die: Web: https://www.asiansneverdie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsiansNeverDie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiansNeverDie/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AsiansNeverDie/RiceFeed: https://www.instagram.com/RiceFeed/Asians Never DieT: https://www.instagram.com/AsiansNeverDieT/Asian Squat Social Club: https://www.instagram.com/AsianSquatSocialClub/Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.*****Support your locally owned Asian American businesses while having fun with your friends. Visit instagram.com/thefoodbingo to find and suggest bingo cards that reward you when you visit Asian owned businesses. Koreatown LA available now and Little Tokyo LA and Twin Cities coming soon!

Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 4min
019 // Benny Luo // Founder & CEO of NextShark // Choosing Purpose of Profits in Business
Meet Benny Luo!We celebrate Benny's successes and achievements, including winning Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018. We celebrate his decision to create something that the community now relies on so much.We support Benny and his team as they work tirelessly to bring us relevant stories and perspectives and to provide us places to have important discussions.We are inspired by the story of his mother's journey to America and his relentless mission and purpose drive pursuit to create something meaningful for Asian Americans.*****Benny is the Founder & CEO of NextShark, an Asian and Asian American focused media company that reaches tens of millions around the world monthly. He is also the co-producer of The May Lee Show. Prior to founding NextShark, Benny founded New Media Rockstars and The Other Asians. He consults for companies including Billboard, MGM, and McDonalds. Benny has been a speaker at CES, New Media Expo, Vidcon, and Silicon Beach FestConnect with Benny:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennyluo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyluo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatwithbennyNextShark: Web: https://nextshark.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextshark/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextShark/Crimes Against Asians Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crimesagainstasians/Forbes 30 Under 30: https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59f747e4a7ea436b47b489c0/benny-luo-29/#6520d2e32597Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.*****This Dear Asian Americans episode highlights Asian American owned business COBA: The Coffee Bar. Learn more at www.coba.coffee and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coba.coffee/ to learn more their product and their current promotions.

Apr 1, 2020 • 45min
018 // Juanny Romero // CEO - Mothership Coffee
Meet Juanny Romero!We celebrate Juanny's successes in being a successful minority female CEO and in opening and running the longest operating independent coffee chain in Las Vegas.We support Juanny and all other small business CEOs who are doing their best to manage this crisis while putting their employees and community first.We are inspired by her drive, passion, and mission to be authentically herself in all she does. *****Juanny is the CEO of the long running independent coffee chain in Las Vegas. She is originally from Queens, New York and comes up a biracial family of Korean and Ecuadorian backgrounds. After reflecting on her life post-9/11, she headed out west to begin living life on her own terms. At the age of 24, she opened her first coffee shop and which has now expanded to multiple locations and a roaster that provides coffee to many local businesses.Connect with Juanny:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanny-romero-a22697184/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crunchybabycrack/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildjuannyMothership Coffee: https://mothershipcoffee.com/Las Vegas Sun 40 Under 40: https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2020/mar/12/40-under-40-juanny-romero-ceo-mothership-coffee-ro/Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.*****Every year we pay our taxes but every 10 years we help decide how that money comes back to us and our communities. Want to be part of the decision process? Fill out the #2020Census. #CensusDay

Mar 31, 2020 • 26min
017 // Stacey Kwong // Co-Founder - MILK + T // The Helpers Series
Meet Stacey Kwong!We celebrate Stacey successes in being a business owner in three states, leading with her vision of creating a place where anyone can feel welcome.We support her business, MILK + T, and all small businesses during these challenging times.We are inspired by her courage and conviction to always put the needs of her team members as well as those who need help more first above her own.*****About StaceyFrom slangin' mac and cheese in middle school, to reselling iphones in high school, to starting a failed clothing line in college, Stacey Kwong was born wired to start her own business. But growing up queer in a strict Asian American household with less than stellar report cards meant finding her passion wasn't always easy.It wasn't until she and her business partner found success through boba with MILK+T, a Los Angeles food truck concept featuring the first self serve boba bar on wheels. With 10’s of 1000’s of delicious, high-quality drinks sold, MILK+T proudly grew to 3 owned and operated stores in 3 states including Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR, and Las Vegas, NV.In June 2019, with an urge to give back, Stacey and her business partner started BOBAWASTED-- a brand focused on bringing the boba community together. Rather than competition, BOBAWASTED believes in working together. A portion of the proceeds go towards Andie Bear and Dance With Mweyne, both organizations helping children in need. Connect with StaceyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-kwong-15b70188/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceykwongInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceykwongg/Support MILK + TFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmilkandt/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkandt/Website: http://www.milkandt.com/ORDER MILK + T on POSTMATES: https://postmates.com/merchant/milkt-los-angelesABC NEWS Feature: https://abc7.com/community-events/boba-tea-shop-in-little-tokyo-gives-back-during-coronavirus-outbreak-with-free-lunches-to-those-in-need/6053873/*****Dear Asian Americans supports Asian American Donor Program (www.AADP.org), a partner with Be The Match. Asian American Donor Program is a non-profit organization working to help blood cancer patients find their matching stem cell or marrow donor. They are running a campaign called “Swab For India”, for their patient, Mahesh. Mahesh was diagnosed with a blood cancer called “acute myeloid leukemia”, and the only way he can be cured is with a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, only 1% of the donor registry is South Asian, leaving Mahesh with very limited options. We are looking for donors of all ethnicities to register to see if you could be Mahesh’s match -- even if you’re not, you still might be able to help other patients searching for their perfect match! Text AADP to 61474 to join!*****

Mar 30, 2020 • 32min
016 // Jin Yu // Chief Growth Officer - Vezt // COVID-19 Economic Impact
Meet Jin Yu!We celebrate Jin's professional achievements in co-founding Surkus and Vezt, two technology start-ups changing the game in their respective industries.We support Jin's efforts in creating a safe and supportive environment to help tackle the community and personal economic impact COVID-19 will have on all of us.We are inspired by his passion to help, share, and give as much as he can to ensure we will get through these challenging times together and stronger on the other side.*****Jin Yu is the Co-founder of Surkus and Chief Growth Officer of Vezt Inc. Vezt is The World's First Blockchain Music Royalty Marketplace. Vezt allows fans to buy fractional ownership of any song and earn a proportional royalty dividend along with the artist (or rights holder). They've sold out fractional ownership to songs as recorded by artists such as: Drake, Nipsey Hussle, The Weeknd, Kanye, Jay Z, Ariana Grande and much more. His day to day includes business development, global partnerships, strategic alliances, joint ventures, experiential marketing and sponsorship. Additionally he is leading the build out of our community, influencer content marketing division and collaborating with innovative creators. Prior to Surkus and Vezt, Jin produced Experiential Events in Los Angeles with a speciality in Celebrity Integration for 10+ years.Connect with Jin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinwooyu/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinwooyu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinandcoVezt: https://www.vezt.co/Surkus: https://surkus.com/LA Covid19 | Economic Impact Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/539107680335332/VoyageLA Article: http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-jin-yu-vezt-co-hollywood-ca/Dear Asian Americans, let's stay strong and stay healthy. We'll get through this together.*****This episode highlights Asian American artist Big Phony aka Bobby Choy. Stream his music on Spotify or Apple Music.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QZe2R0WQ6Hqa0IjHwj6sYApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/big-phony/76841231Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigphony/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigphony/BandCamp: https://bigphony.bandcamp.com/