But Where Are You Really From?: An Asian-American Struggle podcast

#Society #Angela Lin And Jesse #Angela Lin #Jesse Lin

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

But Where Are You Really From?: An Asian-American Struggle explicit

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Hosts and life-long best friends Angela Lin and Jesse Lin explore their identities as Asian-Americans through the lens of their first-generation upbringings and how those influences have shaped how they see the world and their place in it. Each episode explores a different topic of identity or common struggle, with many episodes featuring special guests from both the Asian and broader POC communities bringing their unique perspectives, showing us that there's so much more that connects us than divides us. Instagram: @whereareyoufrompod Tik Tok: @butwhereareyoureallyfrom

170 episodes

But Where Are You Really From?: An Asian-American Struggle explicit

20 subscribers

updated 6 days ago

Series home•Feed•Pay the publisher

170 episodes

#Society #Angela Lin And Jesse #Angela Lin #Jesse Lin

All episodes

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169. Bethenny's Dior Bags (UAP) 24:46

6 days ago24:46

24:46

Did you hear about the SUV-sized drones, plasmoids, orbs, and other strange objects in the sky over New Jersey/the East Coast the past few months, or is this the first time you're hearing about it? We discuss this strange phenomena that started around the holidays in 2024 and continued for several months, where folks were claiming these large drones and other unidentified aerial objects were following them or seemingly "mapping" their neighborhoods. Despite the sheer volume of sightings and videos uploaded, there was little to no mainstream media coverage and a brushing off by both presidential administrations as either something they simply couldn't explain, or "were ours" and therefore nothing to worry about. What's more, though the majority of video footage was uploaded to TikTok directly by those on the ground, the algorithm was seemingly suppressing views and distribution of drone-related footage, to the point where everyone's favorite Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel became one of the leading voices on these drone sightings and led the charge in calling them "Dior bags" in order to evade the algorithmic suppression. This all leaves us wondering...what the heck is going on?! At best these things really were all "ours" and the government was conducting some strange experiment on the American people. Or worse (and human), it was foreign adversaries spying on or otherwise displaying a show of force. Or worst (and not human - for those of us who are inclined to believe), it was aliens. Of note, at the same time these SUV-sized drones were happening, there were whistleblower stories coming out from former Special Forces personnel and those who worked in the UAP ("unidentified anomalous phenomena" fka "UFO") retrieval/reverse engineering program about first- and second-hand experiences with unknown technology and alien presences, but barely anyone heard about it amidst all the hubbub of the drones. What do you think all of this aerial activity was? Our government? Foreign adversaries? Aliens? Something else? Let us know in the poll or comments! ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin: Beginnings online course co-created by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.realyoumandarin.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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168. But What Have You Really Been Doing? 17:12

13 days ago17:12

17:12

We're back with a life update where we chat about the most fun recent things we've been up to during our off-season break, Angela being re-energized and doubling down on Real You Mandarin efforts, Jesse enjoying the semi-single (read: open relationship) life, and coming to terms with getting older and potentially wanting plastic surgery?! Let us know what you've been up to during our break in the comments below or on social media! ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin: Beginnings online course co-created by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.realyoumandarin.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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167. The Happiness Curve 23:11

14 weeks ago23:11

23:11

"The Happiness Curve" is a concept that postulates that on average, a person's happiness acts as a U-shaped curve where you are happiest in your youth, happiness starts to decline in your 30s/40s, and picks back up as you get into your 50s and beyond. In this episode, we discuss what we think about this phenomenon. Full disclosure, we did get the decades slightly wrong lol, but we generally discuss why we think it could be that people get happier as they get older due to things like changing perspectives on *what* brings them happiness. We also ponder whether this study will continue to reflect the average person as we shift into different generational cohorts who hold very different values (i.e., millennials not necessarily wanting to wait until retirement to "enjoy" life). What do you think about The Happiness Curve? Do you think you're happier now than you were when you were younger? Is it about perception of happiness or something else? Let us know in the comments below! ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.realyoumandarin.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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166. Should Video Games Represent Us? 19:41

15 weeks ago19:41

19:41

Have you ever spent hours in anticipation of your next escape, only to find that you can't quite see yourself in that narrative? If you're a gamer, you might find that to be common, depending on the category of game you're primarily interested in. This week, we're discussion the issue of representation in big box video games. Video games have to walk a fine line between representing an escape, while allowing the player to immerse themselves into the world. The details of immersion can often make or break how invested the player is. We discuss examples of how immersion deepens or breaks from the experience, from Witcher - Blood Origin to Assassin's Creed Shadows. Have you played a recent video game that helped you immerse deeply in its lore and universe? Let us know what you played in the comments below or on our social media! ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at ⁠⁠www.realyoumandarin.com⁠⁠ ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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165. Hindsight is 20/30 19:30

16 weeks ago19:30

19:30

Have you ever taken a moment to look back on your actions from a different period of your life? Have you ever wondered why you made certain decisions and whether or not they were wholly yours? This week, we take a walk down memory lane and evaluate the impact some of our decisions in our 20s have on our lives right now. For Angela, the importance of building her own family has been pressing - both physically and emotionally. On the other hand, Jesse has struggled with finding meaning in the choices that he's made. Ultimately, both of us agree that making decisions in your 20s is not easy. However, the decisions are yours to make and yours to own - and worth taking a moment to think about how that will impact your future self. If you could go back in time, would you make any choices differently in your 20s? Let us know in the comments below! ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at ⁠www.realyoumandarin.com⁠ ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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164. Bilingual Parenting ft. Sunny Horstmann 37:25

18 weeks ago37:25

37:25

We've often grappled with reconciling our identities as Asian-Americans, straddling two or more cultures between our family's motherland and the western environment in which we actually grew up. For many of us who did not grow up in Asia, when the time comes to think about trying to pass on that culture - and especially the language - to our children or future children, that task can seem incredibly daunting. In this episode, we chat with guest Sunny Horstmann about how she set up the structure and environment to raise her two kids in a bilingual (Mandarin Chinese/English) environment and the village she's created to help other parents struggling to wade through these murky waters. We talk about the importance of having a support system, fighting the idea that your Mandarin needs to be perfect to get started, how we may unknowingly bring biases from our own language learning experiences into how we teach our children, and much more. Do you have aspirations to create (or continue!) a bilingual environment for your family? What has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media! Follow Sunny on Instagram at @spotofsunshinechinese, on her website at spotofsunshine.com , and join the waitlist for the next time her membership opens up for her bilingual parenting community. Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom *Podcasters' Note: for those watching the video, sorry for the freezing up. Sunny's wifi had some issues - ah, the joys of remote recording and crossing international lines! :D ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at www.realyoumandarin.com--…

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163. Food As A Way Into Taiwanese Culture ft. Lisa Cheng Smith (Yun Hai) 45:06

19 weeks ago45:06

45:06

We've often talked about how food is one of the most easily accessible ways into a culture, and this episode's guest is a perfect living example of that. Lisa Cheng Smith, founder of Yun Hai Shop in NYC, started Yun Hai as a way to explore her Taiwanese identity. Growing up as a half-Taiwanese/half-American individual, the question of "but where am I really from?" has always been something she was trying to figure out, and Yun Hai allowed her to explore that answer for herself. Today, Yun Hai is not only a brick and mortar shop in NYC that features artisanal food ingredients from Taiwan, it's also an online retailer, a wholesaler to restaurants, and an important English-based online resource about Taiwanese food and culture through its highly popular Substack. It even made waves last year when it was chosen as one of the few stops former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen made on her trip to the US! Listen in to hear about how and why Lisa got started with Yun Hai, how it allowed her to tap into both her Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American parts of her identity, why she cares about giving more spotlight to the art of Taiwanese home cooking, and the upcoming launch of Yun Hai's new Taiwanese cooking show coming out in early December that'll help share more of that spirit to the masses. If you have questions for Lisa or thoughts about the episode, let us know in the comments below or on our social media! For all things Yun Hai, find them at: Instagram: @yunhaishop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yunhaishop Online shop: https://yunhai.shop/ Substack: https://yunhai.substack.com/ Cooking show waitlist: https://yunhai.shop/cooking-show ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at www.realyoumandarin.com ------- Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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162. Financial (In)Dependence 19:37

20 weeks ago19:37

19:37

"More money, more problems" as they say. But is financial inequality in a relationship a unique problem or does it just exacerbate existing ones? This week, we examine how financial inequality impacts the quality of our relationships. Having both had the New York experience, your hosts understand what it feels like to struggle on a budget. But these days, we're looking at the question of differing finances from different perspectives. What fears and insecurities does a financially dependent partner experience? What are the frustrations and uncertainties that the financially independent partner feels in a provider role? Tune in to find out, and join the conversation in the comments on our social media! Who financially contributes more in your relationship and how does that make each of you feel? Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Preview a free lesson and check out the full syllabus at www.realyoumandarin.com…

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161. Election Schmelection 34:22

21 weeks ago34:22

34:22

The 2024 General Election is coming up in a matter of days... thank god because we are over it, lol. No matter which side of the political spectrum you fall on, I think many of us can agree that we are tired of the reality TV show style media coverage around the two candidates, the BS of the general political "machine" behind the two parties, and a frequently missing focus on the needs of the actual people of this nation. Despite feeling a simultaneous fervor and fatigue around the election, if you still have not voted yet, please go out and vote! It's important to stand up for what matters to you, especially if you want things to be different for the future of this country. How are you feeling about the upcoming election and/or the news cycle surrounding all of this? Predictions? Hopes for the future? Let us know in the comments on our social media! Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Check out the full syllabus and sample content at www.realyoumandarin.com…

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160. The Call is Coming from Inside the House 42:19

22 weeks ago42:19

42:19

It's that spooktacular time of year - Halloween! In keeping with the pod tradition, we've gone diving in the deepest, darkest recesses of the internet (Reddit) for more scary stories. And also as usual, we're bringing you horror with an Asian flavor - only stories based in Asia accepted. Jesse brings to the table a terrific story involving public transit. And let's face it, what's scarier than riding the bus? Angela follows it up with a cautionary tale around stranger danger. Does the story's protagonist make the right choice or do they fall prey to usual horror decision making? Join us and listen in to these hair raising stories! And as always, let us know what your favorite scary story this year has been (traditional, Asian, or otherwise) in the comments below! TW: Ghosts, violence, self-harm ---- Follow the podcast on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Check out the full syllabus and sample content at www.realyoumandarin.com…

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159. When Love Is More Than Words ft. Jocelyn Chung 55:38

23 weeks ago55:38

55:38

Jocelyn Chung is a Taiwanese-American graphic designer and writer whose new children's book "When Love Is More Than Words" was just released this week! In this episode we of course discuss the book, including its inspiration being a beautiful real life realization she had with her grandfather, all the fun Taiwanese easter eggs, and more, and also discuss her recent journey of claiming her Taiwanese citizenship and starting a life and community in Taiwan, and how all of this helped her feel at home within herself in reflecting on her own identity. If you've had a chance to check out "When Love Is More Than Words," what did you think about it? If not, what stood out most to you from this episode? Let us know in our comments on social media! "When Love Is More Than Words" is available everywhere books are sold, and if you happen to live in Southern California, Jocelyn wanted to especially plug a local bookstore called Bel Canto Books in Long Beach. You can follow Jocelyn on Instagram at @jocelynschung and on her website at www.jocelynchung.com Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom ------- If you're interested in the Mandarin course for ABCs/ABTs that Jocelyn references in the episode that Angela co-founded ("Real You Mandarin"), check what the course is all about at www.realyoumandarin.com and use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off as a thank you for being a listener of the pod.…

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158. Hello, Listeners! 16:46

24 weeks ago16:46

16:46

Your besties are back with some new topics for fall! Before we get into a slew of new conversations these next few months, we'd like to update you on where we are. Life keeps moving, especially when we are on break from the pod. For Angela, that means a few months closer to starting her family and moving to Japan. For Jesse, that means a few months of continued exploration around life hobbies and going out. And for the both of us, a few new shared changes you'll have to hear about in the episode! Tune in and let us know what you've been up to while we've been on break! ---- Follow the podcast on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom ------- Use promo code "whereareyoufrom10" for 10% off the Real You Mandarin online course co-founded by Angela, designed specifically for ABCs & ABTs. Check out the full syllabus and sample content at www.realyoumandarin.com…

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157. Unlocking the Real You in Mandarin 38:38

44 weeks ago38:38

38:38

You've heard Angela share her struggles with trying to improve her Mandarin, being at a loss knowing simultaneously too much and nothing at all, it seems. She's also explicitly said that there is a clear market for creating a resource for Mandarin speakers born outside of the motherland, but that she wouldn't be the one making it! ...well, she's officially eating her words because recently Angela felt compelled to bring something like this to life to help people like us finally be able to have meaningful conversations in Mandarin and express ourselves the way that we've always wanted to, especially with family and friends. That's why she's been busting her butt creating a Mandarin course designed specifically for ABCs/ABTs with the help of her Mandarin teacher (Jane) based in Taiwan. In this episode, the first half (up to 18:48) is in English, and Angela and Jane discuss their inspiration for starting Real You Mandarin, the structure of this self-paced online course (video based realistic dialogues!), and what makes it uniquely tailored for the ABC/ABT audience (hint: a focus on real topics like dating & relationships and even media representation). In the second half of the episode, we switch into Mandarin to discuss the best and worst parts of working on this course so far! If you're a Mandarin speaker, we invite you to listen to the second half and learn some things along the way, as Angela asked Jane to live-correct her Mandarin when she made mistakes trying to express herself! Real You Mandarin is available now. You can learn more and join the course at: https://real-you-mandarin.teachery.co/ and follow them on Instagram & Tiktok at @realyoumandarin Now through the end of June, you can access the Early Bird Discount 25% off price directly on the site. As an additional thank you for being a loyal listener to the show, if you sign up now with promo code "whereareyoufrom10" you'll get an additional 10% off the course price! This AAPI Heritage Month, connect more deeply with friends, family, and your culture by learning to unlock the real you when you speak Mandarin! ---- Follow the podcast on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom…

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156. The Path Towards Inner Peace 17:58

47 weeks ago17:58

17:58

How do you go about seeking inner peace for yourself? We've spent many past episodes diving into mental health and self-growth. But as we strive to improve ourselves, how can we also embrace all that we currently are - the good and the bad? We individually found frameworks that helped us cope with the stresses of everyday life. Jesse found his calming mantra through a session on Calm, while Angela discovered "The Work" by Byron Katie*. Both frameworks help to process turbulent thoughts, by slowing down our thought processes to be both kinder and more objective. As with many other growth related topics, seeking inner peace is work done over a lifetime. Although we are far from perfect at practicing this calmness, we work towards it every day. Listeners, how do you work towards emotional balance? Let us know in the Spotify Q&A section or in the comments on our social media! Follow us on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod and on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom *Podcasters' Note: in the episode we mistakenly refer to the author as Katie Byron. "The Work" is by Byron Katie.…

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155. How I Found My Voice Playing My Mom in A Movie ft. Lydia Bai 22:49

48 weeks ago22:49