Social Issues / Sifu Mimi Chan

39. Derek Johnson on law enforcement

Sifu Derek Johnson is a kung fu instructor of the Jow Ga system, former marine, and retired law enforcement officer. For over 25 years, he served in numerous law enforcement specialties. He was assigned to many agencies in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, such as: violent crimes, undercover narcotics, community outreach, leadership as a Patrol Commander, internal affairs, and worked with the DEA and FBI departments. I have been outraged for the families that have lost loved ones to senseless shootings, and wonder why is this happening? Do officers need more training or stricter screening and guidelines? What is the problem? Derek sheds light on the training many law enforcement officers receive and what can be going through their minds in these high stakes situations. He also shares my frustration, and speaks openly as both a black American and a law enforcement officer on the Black Lives Matter movement. I strongly believe in the movement and was grateful that Derek was so open with me on this sensitive subject. I also wanted to understand the protocol for officers in aggressive situations, and what we can do to help change the perception of law enforcement officers in the community.

34.Antje Wiegand on cultural barriers

I have been enjoying all of my conversations, but I feel especially privileged to have spoken with strong women who inspire me. On previous podcasts I’ve spoken to real life Wonder Women like Hailey, a transgender gay woman who had to fight for her identity; Helena, a woman who left her religious cult to save her life; and Commissioner Sheehan, the first openly gay elected woman in Central Florida, who discussed her fight with politics and the aftermath of the Pulse shooting tragedy. Today I had the privilege to speak with Antje Wiegand. Antje had to overcome her own challenges being born with hip dysplasia and being bullied as a child. Today, she teaches others about Cultural Awareness to dismiss stereotypes amongst the community in Germany. She also shares some emotional stories of her work with Syrian and Nigerian refugees. Although I see myself as someone who advocates for diversity, after speaking with Antje, I learned that having true respect is more than just embracing someone’s culture, but embracing them simply as humans.

30. Commissioner Patty Sheehan on Pulse shooting, Orlando culture, and women in politics

Love is love. It was so incredible to sit down with Commissioner Patty Sheehan after the one-year memorial of the horrible Pulse Shooting in Orlando. Commissioner Sheehan was on the ground and in the streets helping victims’ families in the wake up the shooting, but even one year later is still comforting the families, fundraising for them, and honoring the memory of their loved ones. I was honored the Commissioner fit me into her busy schedule to discuss her life in politics these past 17 years. As the first openly-gay elected official in Central Florida, she has worked to pass non-discrimination protections and Domestic Partnership legislation for the LGBTQ community. She also shared the challenges she has faced being both openly gay and a woman in politics. I loved sitting with Patty in her office as I was surrounded by colorful art, rainbow flags, Wonder Woman figurines, and the reminder that love is love.

27. Hailey Snow: “I’m just me.” Discovery of a transgender and gay woman

Hailey Snow bravely shares her story of self-discovery. At a very young age, she knew she was both a transgender and gay person, despite growing up in a strict Evangelical household. She suffered through years of torment with her identity, and had no one to turn to. I feel fortunate to share Hailey’s story and learned so much from her. I am appalled at the unequal treatment of the LGBTQ community and hope that stories like Hailey’s will help shed light on misconceptions and stereotypes.

23. Emil Praslick, US Army first class sergeant, on gun culture in America

Emil Prazlick , retired sergeant first class in the US Army and rifle coach of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss the highly controversial topic of gun culture in America. We discuss his expertise in marksmanship and the skills it takes to become a top marksman. We also delve into pro and anti gun viewpoints. I have the utmost respect for Emil and appreciate his service to this country as well as the work he has accomplished with the US Army Marksmanship Unit. Although I have strong opinions on gun regulation, we find common ground in the desire for all gun owners to be safe and responsible. This episode was recorded several weeks ago before any recent gun controversies.

18. Helena Lucia on leaving Laestadianism to save her life

What if you were taught: Reason and questioning can take our faith away, contraception is a sin, homosexuality is a sin, wearing any makeup is a sin, having a TV is a sin, however many children God gives you is what you were meant to have…. These are just a few of the teachings of Laestadianism. My conversation with Helena was a chilling, but inspiring discussion. Prior to our conversation I had never heard of Laestadianism. I now analogize the Laestadian church to the town that Kevin Bacon moved to in Footloose, except this is real, and there is no dancing at the end.

15. Martha Kirby on the misconceptions of Planned Parenthood

Martha has been an active volunteer with Planned Parenthood for 10 years. She is a woman of faith, has a family, and believes in a woman’s right to choose. I sit down to talk to her about the misconceptions people have about Planned Parenthood as well as abortion. Yes, this is a controversial issue, so keep an open mind, and I hope listeners find this chat as interesting as I did, regardless of your position. As a reminder, the views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not influence my position at work or represent the Wah Lum System.