Big Asian Energy

In this spontaneous street encounter turned deep conversation, John Wang sits down with internationally renowned entrepreneur John Lee for an exploration of wealth creation, business psychology, and the future of entrepreneurship. Recorded on-site in Austin after a chance meeting, this episode dives into the mental frameworks that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle, and how AI is reshaping the business landscape. What John Lee Shares: The inner work and mindset shifts required to build substantial wealth How AI is creating new business opportunities while disrupting traditional industries Breaking through cultural limitations to build a global entrepreneurial empire About John Lee John Lee is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, investor, and speaker who has been featured in Forbes, Sunday Times, and BBC. Awarded Man of the Year in 2017 by Global Women's Magazine, he has built a community of over 6 million social media followers worldwide. Starting as an animator who was paid £50,000 to speak on his first major stage, John transformed unconventional skills into business advantages. His empire now spans multiple industries, and he's pioneered AI clone technology that allows entrepreneurs to scale their expertise. His upcoming book with Hay House focuses on the psychology of wealth creation and business success. Connect with John Lee:Website: https://johnlee.com/Instagram: @john_lee_official

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy, AAPI author and podcast host John Wang provides an in-depth psychological analysis of the Netflix phenomenon K-pop Demon Hunters. This animated film has broken streaming records worldwide while exploring themes of Asian American identity, intergenerational trauma, and mental health. John decodes the deeper meanings behind the demon-fighting storyline to reveal insights about cultural patterns, perfectionism, and generational healing in Asian communities. What John shares: How "faults and fears must never be seen" reflects collectivist cultural conditioning Understanding patterns as unconscious behaviors that limit our potential Why shame-based identity creates self-sabotage and how vulnerability heals it Connect with John Wang Instagram: @johnwangofficial"Big Asian Energy" book - Available at major retailersFree Big Asian Energy patterns quiz at bigasianenergy.com

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang teams up with therapist and author Dr. Stacey Litam to analyze the deeper psychological themes in the animated film K-pop Demon Hunters. Through their analysis, they uncover how this seemingly simple story about demon-fighting K-pop stars reveals profound insights about cultural trauma, healing patterns, and authentic self-acceptance in Asian communities. What Dr. Litam Shares: Understanding "patterns" - the unhelpful cultural scripts we carry from childhood Why Western therapy often misses the mark for Asian communities How K-pop Demon Hunters reveals the difference between toxic and healthy collectivism About Dr. Stacey Litam Dr. Stacey Litam is a certified relationship expert, therapist, and professor specializing in Asian diaspora mental health. Her book "Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants" was published by Oxford University Press in January 2025. In this conversation, she explores how the film's demons represent internal critics and voices of shame, while analyzing the difference between toxic collectivism (hiding flaws to maintain harmony) and healthy collectivism (showing up authentically in community).Connect with Dr. Stacey:Instagram - @drstaceyalitamWebsite - https://www.staceylitam.com/References "Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants"  by Dr. Stacey Litam "Big Asian Energy" by John Wang Take the free Big Asian Energy quiz at bigasianenergy.com

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with actor, producer, and CEO Sean Dulake to explore his groundbreaking journey from stereotypical casting calls to starring in Amazon Prime's first American series shot entirely in South Korea. Sean opens up about his move from LA to Seoul, creating content that bridges cultures, and finding purpose through what he calls the "third culture perspective." What Sean Shares: Breaking stereotypes and navigating representation as an Asian American actor Building authentic cross-cultural content through Third Culture perspective Surviving creative entrepreneurship and finding your deeper purpose About Sean Dulake Sean Dulake is an actor, producer, and CEO of Third Culture Content. Born in California and raised in Arcadia, he made the bold decision to move to South Korea in 2010, where he debuted on Korean primetime television. He created and starred in the Netflix series "Drama World," which won Best Foreign Drama at the Seoul International Drama Awards. Sean also directed the Discovery Channel documentary "Korean Next: Finding Hollywood," earning a Best Director nomination at the Asian Television Awards. He currently stars as Hollis in Amazon Prime's spy thriller "Butterfly" alongside Daniel Dae Kim - marking the first American series fully financed by a US studio but shot entirely in South Korea. Connect with Sean Dulake Instagram: @seandulake Third Culture Content: thirdculturecontent.com Instagram: @thirdculturecontent Watch "Butterfly" and "Drama World" on Amazon Prime Video

In this engaging conversation, Kaila Yu—author, musician, and former pin-up model—dives deep into the implications of fetishization faced by Asian women. She shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to rebellion through modeling and music. Kaila reveals the distressing intersection of trauma and her career, the impact of social media on her success, and the ongoing prevalence of fetishization. With candid insights, she examines historical roots and calls for authentic representation over stereotypes, pushing for a narrative that transcends objectification.

Vicky Tsai’s resume was flawless. Wellesley. Harvard Business School. Wall Street. Big brands like Procter & Gamble and Starbucks. But behind that picture-perfect career was the reality of quiet bias, vague feedback, and being told she did not have “leadership potential.” In this episode of Big Asian Energy, Vicky opens up about the toll of constantly feeling like she did not belong, and the moments that pushed her to rebuild her confidence, her voice, and her self-worth. She shares how she founded the global skincare brand Tatcha, sold it for $500M, stepped away, and then returned as CEO to lead it on her own terms with purpose and joy at the center. If you have ever felt stuck, sidelined, or like you had to shrink yourself to survive in corporate spaces, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to take your power back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How corporate systems quietly keep Asian employees “treading water,” or worse What it takes to truly reclaim your confidence, voice, and inner strength when you are in your deepest moments of uncertainty Why real leadership is not about perfectionism or power, but about purpose and calling About Vicky Tsai Vicky Tsai is the founder and current CEO of Tatcha, a luxury skincare brand inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals. After years in corporate America left her burned out and disillusioned, a trip to Kyoto sparked a new path. She built Tatcha from her savings, grew it into a global brand, and sold it to Unilever for $500M. After stepping away, she returned as CEO in 2021 to guide the company through a new chapter. Today, she mentors underrepresented entrepreneurs, serves on the board of Room to Read, and champions purpose-driven leadership. Resources Learn more about Tatcha: www.tatcha.comSupport Room to Read: www.roomtoread.org    

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with multi‑venture entrepreneur and community founder Misa Chien to unpack what leadership truly looks like when you build from authenticity—and face pressure from every angle. Misa shares what happened after her business imploded, how she redefined success at Harvard, and why she’s now protecting the space she built for Asian American women who lead with heart and intention. What Misa Shares: Breaking the myth that Asian women must choose between kindness and power Why losing her first business led her to build a more authentic version of success Being judged by your own community and learning to protect what you’ve built About Misa ChienMisa Chien is a former model turned serial entrepreneur who co-founded Nom Nom Truck, a multimillion-dollar food brand featured on The Food Network. After walking away from that business, she attended Harvard Business School and became deeply aware of the lack of support for Asian American women in leadership. To change that, she launched The Authentic Asian, an exclusive AAPI female leadership community designed to address unseen barriers and foster meaningful connection and opportunity Misa is also ranked among the most viewed AAPI women on LinkedIn worldwide, and her vision centers on helping Asian women succeed whether that’s raising capital, landing a board seat, or closing their next deal Connect with Misa & Her CommunityWebsite: theauthenticasian.comInstagram: @misa_chienLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misachien

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy, we dive deep into the complex realities behind strict Asian parenting and explore how culture, achievement, and family dynamics continue to shape the Asian American experience. From tiger parenting to emotional healing, this episode unpacks the generational patterns many of us are still untangling today. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Confucian values and collectivism shaped tiger parenting across Asian cultures Why conditional love and achievement-based worth leave lasting emotional impacts What breaking the cycle looks like through supportive and conscious parenting If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations or are trying to parent differently, this episode is for you. Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae  

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with author, coach, and former journalist Nicole Tsong to unpack what visibility really means for Asian American women. Nicole shares insights from her Asian Visibility System, how cultural conditioning impacts self-worth and leadership, and why learning to receive help might be the most powerful skill we can reclaim. What Nicole Shares: How cultural conditioning shapes how Asian American women show up at work Why tying self-worth to success leads to burnout and disconnection The power of asking for help and learning to receive support About Nicole TsongNicole Tsong (she/her) is a Taiwanese-American former journalist, bestselling author, and podcast host who helps Asian-American women reverse cultural conditioning and step into their power. A former Seattle Times columnist and award-winning journalist, she has taught yoga at the White House, spoken for companies like Seagen and Abbott, and led workshops across the country. She is the author of three books including 24 Ways to Move More and hosts the School of Self-Worth podcast.  Connect with Nicole Website: nicoletsong.com Instagram: @nicoletsong Check out the Asian Visibility System: go.nicoletsong.com/visible Podcast: School of Self-Worth

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with journalist and author Ada Tseng to talk about what it really takes to break into Hollywood. From rejection and resilience to representation and real-world advice, Ada shares hard-won insights from years of covering the entertainment industry and uplifting Asian American voices. What Ada Shares: Breaking into Hollywood (especially for Asian Americans) Representation, identity, and mental health in entertainment The realities behind the glamour of Hollywood careers About Ada TsengAda Tseng is the co-author of Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry, a forthcoming book written with Jon Healey. She co-hosts the Asian American pop culture history podcast Saturday School with Brian Hu and is a former editor at the Los Angeles Times. Connect with AdaInstagram: @adatseng88Podcast: Saturday School (Apple, Spotify)Pre Order Ada's book: Breaking Into New Hollywood