Best Asian American Podcasts (2024)

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Season 9, Ep. 4: ABCD 20:31

23h ago20:31

20:31

This week, we are revisting 1999's "ABCD," directed by Krutin Patel. It stars Sheetal Sheth and Faran Tahir as Indian American siblings, aka the "American Born Confused Desis" of the title. Madhur Jaffrey plays their mom, who has many opinions about who her kids should marry, and Aasif Mandvi (of "The Daily Show" fame) plays Sheetal Sheth's charmin…

1
EP 499: Louis Wu On How He Started A Ukulele Company 18 Years Ago & Why These 4-Stringed Instruments Have Become So Popular 55:02

6h ago55:02

55:02

Louis Wu was an engineer, not an entrepreneur. But when he and his wife agreed that he needed a job that would allow him to spend more time with their young children, he began casting around, trying to find his new career path. In this episode, you'll hear how he ended up starting Ohana Music 18 years ago, which has become a widely respected source…

1
Episode 290: Eldest Daughter Syndrome - Pressure, Responsibility, & Desire to Be the Best 1:01:43

2h ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Do we experience ‘Eldest Daughter Syndrome’? If you haven’t heard this term before, typically it refers to the unique challenges and responsibilities that shape the personalities of eldest daughters - particularly in immigrant families. It’s a title that none of us chose, but many have found that the pressure of parental expectations and the need t…

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Ep. 549: Asset-Lite Life Pt. 1 1:05:01

10h ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Mike and Teen talk on a Wednesday night (happy Mid Autumn Festival) about owning property, getting tired of your city, and whether the thing to do is sell all your shit and move to Southeast Asia.Part 2 is available to Patreon supporters: www.patreon.com/planamagBy Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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No Dumb Questions with Mel: How Do You Organize the Ultimate Friends' Trip?✈️ ft. Tiff Duong 59:03

1h ago59:03

59:03

Planning a big trip with friends can be both exciting and a little stressful. Today’s episode was inspired by one of my team members after I shared that I’m heading to Vietnam soon with my college friends! She asked me how I usually plan these types of trips, and it got me thinking—coordinating travel preferences, schedules, and personalities can b…

1
EP 498: Carolyn Taketa On Learning To Embrace & Navigate Life's Big Changes 1:07:22

7h ago1:07:22

1:07:22

According to experts, the average person goes through at least 30 major changes in his or her life. Some changes are things that we choose, e.g., marriage, divorce, different career, while some changes are things that happen or happen to us that we must navigate, e.g, war, assault, poor health, accident, etc. Carolyn Taketa is a certified life tran…

1
Season 9, Ep. 3: Hundred Percent 23:55

8d ago23:55

23:55

Episode 3 of Saturday Season Semester 9 -- where we bask in the glow of our "Stars of Asian American Cinema" -- takes us back to the '90s. 1998's "Hundred Percent," directed by Eric Koyanagi, came out post-"Joy Luck Club," as Asian American filmmakers were experimenting with style, shedding the burden of representation and embracing hotness + silli…

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EP 497: The Two Kens On Debate #2 - Hook, Line & Stinker 39:01

4h ago39:01

39:01

On Tuesday night, September 3rd, Trump and Harris locked horns in what now looks to be the first and final debate between the two leading candidates for America's next POTUS. Even if you didn't watch it, by now, days later, you've no doubt heard that Harris prevailed mightily and convincingly over Trump. Regardless of the outcome, Fong and Kemp wer…

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Episode 289: Summer Catch-Up - Milestone Birthday Cruises, Baby Showers, & Life Transitions 51:32

8h ago51:32

51:32

We’re in the final weeks of summer, but because the past few months have been so eventful, we haven’t had a chance to check in with ourselves and each other! In fact, summers in general now just look so different in our 30’s, particularly when friends start to have kids. When we’re part of different “villages” with various priorities and obligation…

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EP 496: Doreen Wong & Ken Fong On The Unexpected Miracle Of Falling In Love Again After Half A Century 1:04:34

1d ago1:04:34

1:04:34

My very special guest this bonus episode is Doreen Wong. You're going to get to hear from her because she said 'yes' to me twice last week. She accepted my surprise proposal of marriage on September 3rd, and then the next day she finally accepted my invitation to join me on my podcast to tell the miraculous story of how we've come back together fif…

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Spill the Baby Tea with Helen: Choosing the Right Daycare - Tips for Parents Navigating Early Schooling 36:06

2d ago36:06

36:06

Today, we’re uncovering the secrets to finding the perfect daycare that will set your little one on the path to success. We’re talking about the must-ask questions, tips for navigating the application process, and how to spot the red flags before it’s too late. Whether you're just starting the search or drowning in options, we’ve got you covered wi…

1
S4E14: The Bicoastal Update 56:06

4d ago56:06

56:06

S4E14: The Bicoastal Update Jenny's gone full bicoastal. Mic's been busy with a new addition. C O ME S E E H A C K C I T Y C O M E D Y https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hack-city-comedy-with-mic-nguyen-and-karen-chee-tickets-956517297987 F O L L O W U S https://www.instagram.com/asiannotasianpod https://www.instagram.com/nicepantsbro https://www.instagr…

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EP 495: Lei Wang On Being The First Asian Woman To Achieve The Explorers' Grand Slam 50:22

13d ago50:22

50:22

Lei Wang was perfectly happy with her burgeoning career in marketing and finance. But one fateful frigid Boston evening, she went to watch a documentary on mountain climbing, and something unusual began to stir in her. Even though she was a short, out-of-shape, unathletic 30-year-old person, she became seized by the vision of climbing to the top of…

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Season 9, Ep. 2: Hito Hata: Raise the Banner 28:08

6d ago28:08

28:08

Episode 2 of our "Stars of Asian American Cinema" season goes back to the beginning with 1980's "Hito Hata: Raise the Banner," considered the first feature-length film made by and about Asian Americans. It was recently restored in 4K by the National Film Preservation Foundation. The film traces Japanese American history from the issei generation's …

1
They Call Us AfrAId 55:05

6d ago55:05

55:05

Jeff and Phil welcome back old friend Dino-Ray Ramos to discuss the techno-horror movie AfrAId, starring John Cho. They talk about John Cho's suburban dad thriller era and why it might not be a great idea to surrender every aspect of your family life to artificial intelligence (i.e. it might subscribe you to a meal prep delivery service). Also -- s…

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Episode 288: Homebuying 101 - Where to Start, How to Budget, Inspection Tips, & More! 47:14

7d ago47:14

47:14

So it’s finally happening - you’re now at a point in your life where you feel emotionally and financially ready to buy a home. But where do you even start? Do you need a realtor? How can you make your offer stand out in a competitive housing market? And what the heck is escrow? We’ve invited Jessica Lee, a Southern California realtor, to share her …

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Living Well with Janet: How to Transform Your Life with Charles Chen of 888 Process 46:24

16d ago46:24

46:24

If you've ever felt that you needed to turn your life around, Charles Chen is someone you must know about. He is a yoga teacher, holistic chef, and the creator of 888 Process - a wellness community and collective that promotes transformation as a collective experience. He shares his message about the transformative power of holistic health and well…

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Ep. 547: Saturday Morning Degen Catchup (ft. Mike and Steve) Pt. 1 1:10:29

10d ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Mike, Steve and Teen find time on Saturday morning of Labor Day Weekend to catch up on the markets and the economy, a few current events, what's going on in each of LA, HK, and NYC, and try to avoid the doomerism of the news cycle. Easy listening podcast for hard times.To support and get access to premium episodes, go to: patreon.com/planamag…

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EP 494: Henry Lam On Coaching People With ADHD 50:38

12d ago50:38

50:38

Growing up, Henry Lam struggled in school, but it wasn't until he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2018 and received treatment that he was finally able to focus and succeed. Given what he went through, he has become a professional ADHD Coach, combining an understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and business s…

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They Call Us The Manicurist's Daughter 52:46

18d ago52:46

52:46

Jeff and Phil welcome writer and performer Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist's Daughter, a memoir about her search for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery. She talks about grief, trauma, body image, her family's strident unwillingness to discuss what happened, and her attempts to find acceptance and purpose elsewhere -- includin…

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Episode 287: Brain Coach Jim Kwik Helps Us Make Our Minds Limitless 1:01:29

15d ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Have you ever wondered if you’re living up to the full potential of your brain power? Today’s guest, Jim Kwik, has dedicated his career to helping people learn better and faster, improve focus, and optimize their memory. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury as a child, Jim faced many learning challenges and was even written off as “the boy w…

1
No Dumb Questions with Mel: How to Make It as a TV Writer in Hollywood ft. Vicky Luu 1:04:15

22d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

In this episode of No Dumb Questions, we dive deep into the world of TV writing and what it truly takes to make it in Hollywood. As someone who's always been captivated by the entertainment industry, today’s topic is particularly exciting for me. And to make it even better, we have an extraordinary guest who’s worked on incredible shows like Loot a…

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Ep. 546: Also Known As (ft. Adam Goodman) 55:27

18d ago55:27

55:27

Adam is back! One of the regulars when Plan A got started, Adam is back to talk with Teen about his work with the transnational adoptee organization Also Known As, the importance of volunteerism, and some just some shooting of the shit.To support: patreon.com/planamagBy Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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EP 493: NPR's Emily Kwong On Her Amazing New "Inheriting" Podcast 59:58

19d ago59:58

59:58

NPR's Emily Kwong launched the Inheriting podcast this past May, where she facilitated an in-depth conversation among members from different generations of AANHPI families. Could they identify a few critical decisions or changes in history that continue to impact and shape their families? We also discuss whether it's possible for any reporter to be…

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EP 492: The Two Kens On Our Better Angels & 2024 DNC 47:53

19d ago47:53

47:53

The 2024 DNC ended Thursday night, so the next morning podcasters Fong and Kemp were excited to compare notes about what they heard, saw and felt during throughout this 4-night gathering of Democratic delegates to make VP Harris and Gov. Walz their 1-2 punch to keep the White House and also to prevent Trump, MAGA, and Project 2025 from gaining powe…

1
Season 9, Ep. 1: The Joy Luck Club 26:51

24d ago26:51

26:51

Saturday School is officially back for Season 9! Brian and I are here to teach your unwilling children about Asian American pop culture history (which includes Russell Wong and watermelons). The theme for this semester is "Stars of Asian American Cinema." In recent years, it's been fun to see Asian Americans starring in Hollywood hits and winning p…

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They Call Us Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In 36:05

21d ago36:05

36:05

In this special live episode, Jeff and Phil host a post-screening Q&A with Philip Ng, star of the hit Hong Kong action movie Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. He talks about the film's epic throwback to old school action cinema, the fun of playing a wild card villain like King, working alongside legends like Sammo Hung, and who got injured durin…

1
Episode 286: Reclaiming the "Lunchbox Moment" with Bento Box Queen, Sulhee Jessica Woo 48:28

22d ago48:28

48:28

Making lunch can be enjoyable for some more than others, but for today’s guest, crafting cute & delicious meals for her kids is a true joy. Sulhee Jessica Woo’s eye-catching and mouth-watering lunches have crowned her as “The Bento Box Queen” on the Internet. We’re so excited to chat with Jessica about how she manages to make such stunning bento bo…

1
Spill the Baby Tea with Helen: Potty Training - When the Poo Hits the Floor (Literally!) 32:59

1M ago32:59

32:59

In this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I'm diving into the wild and sometimes messy world of fully potty training a toddler boy by 2.5 years old. Potty training is no joke, and trust me, we’ve had our fair share of challenges -- like that one time we had a major potty accident at Disneyland (yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds). I'll be sharing all t…

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EP 491: Eve J. Chung On Her Debut Novel "Daughters Of Shandong" 53:30

1M ago53:30

53:30

Asian American author Eve J. Chung spent the first years of her life in Taiwan with her grandmother. In their shared space, Eve remembers a woman who loved her fiercely; hoarded food and fed her family fat-rich chicken skins; and used a heat lamp on her knees every night while watching Chinese period dramas. As Eve got older, she recognized these h…

1
They Call Us Dìdi (弟弟) 44:13

28d ago44:13

44:13

Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Sean Wang and actor Izaac Wang, writer/director and star, respectively, of the indie coming-of-age film Dìdi. They talk about capturing the very specific emotional turbulence of Asian American suburban male adolescence, revisiting nostalgia for the 2000s internet AOL Instant Messenger era, and the agonizing and savag…

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Episode 285: Can You Reform a F*ckboi?? Perfect Match, The Bachelorette, & More Summer Shows 55:15

29d ago55:15

55:15

Summer is in full swing now, and while this is the perfect time to be outdoors and enjoying the sunshine, it’s an equally good time to be cozy on the couch with a new movie or reality TV show. Lately, we’ve been watching The Bachelorette (check out our interview with Jenn Tran on Episode 282!), Inside Out 2, and Perfect Match. There are so many emo…

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Living Well with Janet: Summer Wellness Practices 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

From nutrition and morning rituals to beauty and fashion, I share my current summer wellness practices. Let me know which of these practices you also do, are interested in trying, or other wellness practices you're currently into! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-…

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EP 490: Director/Writer Tom Huang & Actor Dana Lee On "Dealing With Dad" Film & AAPI Mental Health 47:18

1M ago47:18

47:18

In Director/Writer Tom Huang's 2022 film Dealing with Dad, Margaret Chang reluctantly returns to her hometown along with her hapless brothers to deal with the sudden depression of their complete-jerk father, whom everyone happens to hate. In fact, he's actually more pleasant being depressed, so the siblings wonder if it's worth struggling to get hi…

1
They Call Us Jennifer Phang 47:12

1M ago47:12

47:12

Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Jennifer Phang, director of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the latest installment of Disney's massively popular musical teen fantasy film series. They talk about her indie Asian American cinema roots with films like Half-Life and Advantageous, infusing some K-pop sensibility into a beloved and well-established franchi…

1
Episode 284: Meditation Pods & How to De-Stigmatize Mental Health Conversations w/ Men 1:20:43

1M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

We’re always looking for new ways to prioritize & pursue our mental health, so last month, we visited The Breathing Room in Westwood, Los Angeles (*not sponsored!). We were joined by our friends Dan and Tim, who are also on this episode to share their thoughts on this unique experience! We decided to try their meditation pods and micro-vibroacousti…

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No Dumb Questions with Mel: Hot Takes (Couple's Edition) - Solo Vacations, Separate Bedrooms, & More! 40:30

1M ago40:30

40:30

In today’s episode, I’m bringing back a special guest: my boyfriend Ray! Last time he was on the show, we did a fun Q&A where he answered all your curious questions. This time, we’re diving into some hot takes and having a lively discussion, since we’re both pretty opinionated. We answer hot takes like "Separate vacations can strengthen a relations…

1
Ep. 544: American Default Culture (ft. John Pang) 59:04

1M ago59:04

59:04

Part 1 of 2John Pang joins Teen to talk about the phenomenon of a global return to traditional cultural norms, and where that leaves American liberal culture as it passes beyond its apex.To support: patreon.com/planamagBy Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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EP 489: Lisa M. Gomez, Assistant Secretary of EBSA On How American Men Needlessly Struggle With Mental Health Issues 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

Lisa M. Gomez is the Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) in the U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa). She brought with her a particular concern about the mental health of American men, especially minority men. Although I wasn't taken aback to hear that AANHPI men are the least likely to seek p…

1
Episode 283: Has Moving to New York & Long-Distance Affected Our Friendship? 1:03:20

1M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

For the first time on ABG, Mel is calling in to the studio to record an episode, all the way from New York! Ever since she moved to the East Coast, it’s been an adjustment for all three of us, not only in our friendships but also in our work. Before, we used to be able to make impromptu plans to hang out, now it takes plane tickets and a lot more p…

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Spill the Baby Tea with Helen: Does Becoming a Parent Ruin Friendships? 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

How do friendships change once we become parents? It's something I definitely didn't consider much when I was pregnant, with a million thoughts swirling through my head. Now that we're 2.5 years into the parenting journey, I feel equipped to share my personal anecdotes and challenges regarding how parenthood has impacted certain relationships. From…

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EP 488: The Two Kens On The Right's Denigration Of VP Kamala Harris 48:09

2M ago48:09

48:09

Even before the majority of delegates to the upcoming DNC had lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Trump and the MAGA crowd began to use ad hominem attacks against her. Long-time friends and fellow podcasters Fong and Kemp kick things off by talking about their renewed optimism that Trump will be defeated again, then downs…

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EP 487: Dr. Mako Yoshikawa On Her Journey To Understand Her Brilliant Father's Mental Illness 48:32

2M ago48:32

48:32

In this compelling collection of fifteen personal essays, Dr. Mako Yoshikawa takes us along on her journey to gain a clearer understanding of who her late father was. Secrets of the Sun "...is particularly brilliant at capturing the grief, guilt and fear that adults who experienced childhood abuse face when deciding how or whether to maintain a rel…

1
Ep. 543: A Short Rant About the Paris Opening Ceremony 6:27

2M ago6:27

6:27

This isn't a full episode, but just a short rant about the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony and what a missed opportunity it was to give the world a message of unity and hope. Instead, it was a display of narcissism and European insularity.By Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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Episode 282: Jenn Tran On What It Means to Find Love as the 1st Asian American Bachelorette 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

Jenn Tran is making history as the first Asian American ‘Bachelorette’ and we are so thrilled to have her on the show today! As long time fans of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we’ve followed Jenn’s journey from when she was a contestant to now as a leading lady. She shares what it means to her to represent her Vietnamese culture on TV, how she cooked f…

1
Living Well with Janet: My Yoga Journey 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

I’ve spoken often and at length about my love for yoga. In this episode I talk about how I got into yoga, why I love it so much, details about my current practice, and tips for anyone who wants to get into yoga (especially in the LA area). If you enjoyed this episode, leave your favorite yoga pose in the comments! Become an ABG Bestie to get new au…

1
S4E13: Road Trip with Ben X. Kim 1:04:53

2M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Mic and Ben go on a road trip to nowhere in Mic's car. Mic is fully Martha's Vineyard-pilled. Ben has a poignant surf outing. C O M E S E E U S L I V E https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hack-city-comedy-with-mic-nguyen-and-jenny-arimoto-tickets-914169043217 F O L L O W U S https://www.instagram.com/asiannotasianpod https://www.instagram.com/nicepantsbro…

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Ep. 541: Post-Assassination Attempt Politics (ft. Carl Zha and John Pang) 1:22:39

2M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

This is the recorded audio of a Twitter Space held by the America Watchers (Carl Zha, John Pang, and Teen) on July 19 to talk about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the selection of JD Vance, and the return of traditional "honor politics" in America.This includes the discussion between Carl, John, and Teen. There was a lot of discussion w…

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EP 486: Dr. Kelly N. Fong On Confronting Racism & Sexism In Higher Education 1:02:13

2M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

In her no-holds-barred essay “Conditional, But Essential, Contingency,” Dr. Kelly N. Fong confronts the racism she’s faced as an Asian American woman with a PhD in historical archaeology and examines the ways she’s rejected what she terms “muted invisibility” in favor of demanding change from the predominantly white academy. https://utpress.utexas.…

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Episode 281: Growing Up with a Sister Is Like Having a Built-In Best Friend & Worst Enemy 57:08

2M ago57:08

57:08

For better or for worse, having a sister is a lifelong friendship that you didn’t choose for yourself. Janet and Helen know just how tumultuous, but also reassuring, growing up with sisters can be. Janet and her younger sister Patty have very different personalities and interests, while Helen and her older sister Anne fought A LOT as kids. But ulti…

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