I Feel That Way Too

In a world where harm feels constant and outrage comes easy, what does it mean to seek justice without punishment? What does healing look like when the tools we’ve been given—police, prisons, shame, and exile—feel both unsatisfying and deeply entrenched?In this powerful season finale, Michelle MiJung Kim confronts her own rage after her mother was mugged, and grapples with different approaches to addressing harm. Michelle invites us to wrestle with the hard questions: What actually makes us feel safe? Who gets punished, and who gets protected? And what might become possible if we practiced something different?Featuring illuminating conversations with writer and disability justice activist Mia Mingus, this episode challenges the binary of good vs. bad people and opens the door to more expansive, healing possibilities.If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between your values and your reactions—between the world you want and the one we live in—this episode will speak directly to your heart. Honest, unflinching, and deeply human, it’s a call to imagine new ways of responding to harm that don’t replicate the very violence we’re trying to escape.ABOUT THE EPISODE GUEST, MIA MINGUSMia Mingus is a writer, educator and trainer for transformative justice and disability justice. She is a queer physically disabled Korean transracial and transnational adoptee raised in the Caribbean. She works for community, interdependence and home for all of us, not just some of us, and longs for a world where disabled children can live free of violence, with dignity and love. As her work for liberation evolves and deepens, her roots remain firmly planted in ending sexual violence. Mia founded and currently leads SOIL: A Transformative Justice Project which builds the conditions for transformative justice to grow and thrive. She has been involved in transformative justice work for almost 2 decades and  has supported numerous people, groups, families and communities in addressing harm, violence and abuse using transformative justice. She is an abolitionist and a survivor who believes that we must move beyond punishment, revenge and criminalization if we are ever to effectively break generational cycles of violence and create the world our hearts long for. She is passionate about building the skills, relationships and structures that can transform violence, harm and abuse within our communities and that do not rely on or replicate the punitive system we currently live in. Mia speaks and gives trainings about transformative justice throughout North America.Follow Mia Mingus on Instagram: @miamingusMia’s Blog: Leaving EvidenceABOUT THE HOST, MICHELLE MIJUNG KIMMichelle MiJung Kim is one of today’s most compelling voices on courage, complexity, and connection. With a voice that is both precise and expansive, Michelle helps people make sense of their inner worlds and the outer chaos. Through storytelling rooted in emotional honesty, she invites us to confront what’s hard, name what matters, and move through the world with deeper integrity and courage. She is the award-winning author of The Wake Up, a globally recognized speaker, and the producer and host of I Feel That Way Too, a narrative podcast that dares to ask life’s trickiest questions so we can feel less alone—and more alive—together. Whether on stage, on the page, or behind the mic, Michelle’s presence is a mirror and a call to courage—to live our lives more fully, to build resilient relationships, and to believe in the possibility of our personal transformation and collective liberation. Learn more about Michelle at www.michellemijungkim.com and follow her journey on Instagram @michellekimkim.Resources and Links:Full Transcript is Available HereWatch the full interview on I Feel That Way Too YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the I Feel That Way Too newsletter at ifeelthatwaytoo.beehiiv.com/subscribeLearn more about Asian American Futures

In this live recording, Michelle Meow, a longtime LGBTQ advocate and host of the Michelle Meow Show, interviews Michelle MiJung Kim. They dive into the journey of launching the podcast, discussing the emotional toll of sunsetting Kim's DEI company, Awaken. Topics include the intersection of identity and activism in a corporate world, the challenges of discussing uncomfortable truths, and the importance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, especially in navigating diverse political beliefs and fostering hope in tumultuous times.

Kai Cheng Thom, a talented writer, performer, and coach specializing in trauma healing, joins the conversation about friendship amidst political discord. They candidly explore the emotional turbulence of navigating relationships with differing values, highlighting feelings of judgment and isolation. Listeners hear poignant anecdotes that reflect on love and regret, urging the importance of vulnerability and connection. Thom inspires clarity on how to embrace each other's humanity, even when opinions clash, reminding us that understanding can bridge chasms created by polarization.

Jessica Fern, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and author of "Polysecure," dives into the complexities of love and commitment. She discusses navigating desires in relationships and challenges traditional notions of monogamy. Jessica emphasizes the emotional turmoil of balancing attachment and freedom in polyamory. The conversation highlights the importance of self-discovery, creating safe spaces, and embracing personal desires. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own relationship dynamics and pursue authentic connections.

Kelsey Blackwell, a queer somatic coach and author, discusses identity and self-worth after job loss with Michelle MiJung Kim, a former DEI leader. They dive into the emotional unraveling of ambition and the grief of redefining oneself outside of professional titles. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of somatic practices for women of color to reclaim their worth. The conversation is a reflective journey on authenticity amidst chaos, shedding light on community support as a vital aspect of personal growth during times of struggle.

Sahaj Kaur Kohli, an award-winning therapist and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, joins to explore the nuances of love within immigrant families. They discuss the balance between familial obligations and personal needs, diving into concepts like enmeshment and parentification. Emotions around financial support are also tackled, revealing deep-seated expectations and fears. This heartfelt conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and the empowering journey of redefining relationships while maintaining one’s sense of self.

This conversation dives into the uncomfortable question of why many Asian women are in relationships with white men. It explores the complexities of love, race, and identity, tackling issues like fetishization and societal expectations. Personal stories highlight the emotional burdens and challenges of intimacy in interracial dynamics. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and the impact of societal perceptions on relationships. The dialogue encourages curiosity and compassion, creating a safe space for deeper understanding in a nuanced discussion.

Dive into a world where life's complex questions take center stage. Explore identity and relationship dynamics in an engaging and supportive environment. Hear candid stories that resonate with doubts and longings. Learn about confronting societal norms like monogamy and bridging political divides. This podcast is a comforting space to feel understood, fostering a sense of community for those navigating their struggles.