Big Asian Energy

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   

 In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with therapist and founder of The Men’s Therapy Studio, Gabi Koyenov, whose Central Asian Jewish identity challenges the typical definition of "Asian American." We explore the complexities of heritage, generational expectations, and what it means to show up for ourselves and others as men, children of immigrants, and healing humans. What Gabi Shares: Expanding the definition of Asian American Identity Intergenerational and cultural gaps in immigrant households The unique struggles men face in therapy and identity work About Gabi KoyenovGabi Koyenov is a New York–based licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of The Men’s Therapy Studio, a space dedicated to helping men navigate mental health, relationships, and self-discovery. With roots in Central Asia and a background in Jewish tradition, Gabi brings a unique cultural lens to his work, blending clinical methods with holistic care and deep empathy. Connect with GabiWebsite: themenstherapystudio.comInstagram: @journey_with_gabiPodcast: The Gabi Koyenov Podcast (Apple)YouTube: @gabikoyenov  

In this episode, Clifford Temprosa joins us to talk about what it really means to build power across the Asian diaspora. We get into the importance of identity work in advocacy, what it takes to organize across generations, and how he's helped secure over $30 million in funding for AAPI nonprofits. What we covered: Insights on Asian American nonprofit advocacy and funding strategies How to reclaim your identity and worth beyond stereotypes How we can bridge the disconnect that generational gaps and diaspora create in organizing About Clifford: Clifford Temprosa is an advocate, TEDx speaker, nonprofit leader and political strategist dedicated to advancing Asian American power and visibility. As the founder of Dare to Change Consulting, he’s helped unlock over $30 million in funding for Asian-led organizations through strategy, storytelling, and sustainability. A proud Filipino-Chinese immigrant, Clifford’s work bridges generations, cultures, and movements to create lasting systems of change and as the creator of Margins Of, he illuminates Asian stories and experiences as shapers of democracy.  Find Clifford here: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/cliffordtemprosa Website : https://www.wedaretochange.com/

After years of building, researching interviewing and writing and rewriting more times than I can count—it’s here. Big Asian Energy, my debut book, is officially out in the world. This episode is different. It’s just me—no guest, no script—sharing the real story behind the book. Where the idea came from, what it took to write, what I’ve never said publicly about the process, and why I almost didn’t do it at all. I made this episode because I know I would’ve wanted to hear it when I was starting out. And I made this book because I couldn’t find one that captured the full picture—not just the workplace challenges or the stereotypes, but the internal stuff no one talks about. In this episode, I talk about: The moment I knew this book needed to exist How my personal story (from awkward kid to coach) shaped everything What the research says about how Asian Americans are seen—and why that matters The “bamboo ceiling,” and what I learned from real clients at places like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft What nobody tells you about book deals, imposter syndrome, and the emotional crash after finishing Why this book isn’t for every Asian, but for the ones who feel unseen, under-recognized, or stuck What’s actually inside the book—from scripts to speak up to healing family patterns What’s inside the book Here’s just some of what I cover: Why Asian confidence hits different—and how to rebuild it from the inside out The 3 internal patterns that keep us quiet: the Achiever, the Fixer, and the Chameleon Self-sabotage in disguise: over-apologizing, minimizing your work, or rejecting yourself before anyone else can The “achievement treadmill”—when nothing ever feels good enough Scripts to speak up at work, call out microaggressions, and say no without guilt How to navigate family expectations with respect and boundaries How to find your voice—without letting go of your values  If you take away one thingThis book isn’t trying to speak for all of us. That’s impossible. But if it helps you feel even a little more seen—or a little less alone—then it was worth writing. I hope it sparks conversation. I hope it starts something that goes far beyond me. And I hope, above all, it helps you show up—not as who the world expects you to be, but as who you already are. Grab Your Copy Buy the book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742831/big-asian-energy-by-john-wang/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Asian-Energy-Unapologetic-Leadership/dp/0593475437 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-asian-energy-john-wang/1146224703 More resources: www.bigasianenergy.com Say hi!  john@bigasianenergy.com | team@bigasianenergy.com  

In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with.   What starts as a nostalgic taste test turns into a powerful conversation on belonging, bicultural identity, and inner child healing. With her signature warmth and insight, Dr. Stacey helps us unpack what it means to feel “not Asian enough,” how to hold space for grief and joy at once, and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is cut your own fruit.   Dr. Stacey shares: • How food helps us reconnect with cultural identity and emotional safety • What diasporic grief and diasporic joy really feel like • Why so many Asian Americans wrestle with “not enough-ness”—and how to reframe it • The difference between assimilation and integration (and why one supports better mental health) • What healing looks like when it’s playful, embodied, and rooted in joy If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, unsure how to “belong,” or just want a comforting conversation that goes deep while keeping it real—this episode is for you.   Connect with Dr. Stacey: Website: https://www.staceylitam.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam  Buy Healing Patterns That Remain: https://www.staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants    Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae   Pre-order Alert! My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles! Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle