Society and Culture / Sifu Mimi Chan

47. How I dealt with a burglar questions

Hi Everyone! I can’t believe we are at the end of 2017. I had planned to discuss my holiday wish list and my wishes for all of you during this episode, but it ended up becoming a safety episode after my recent encounter with a burglar. I am fortunate to have survived this horrible incident, but by request was asked to share in more detail from what I explained in my BLOG. Oscar was gracious enough to conduct the interview. We will be taking a week off for the holidays and will resume on January 2 with a New Year resolution episode, so keep listening and sharing my podcast. My Christmas wish is for you to please become a true Patron of the show and support me on Patreon.

45. Andy Rowen on Christopher Columbus through the eyes of the Taíno people

When you were in school did you learn in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue? That’s what I recall from history class. Christopher Columbus has been widely celebrated and honored in the US, and even has his own holiday. However, many historical facts have emerged over the years, that have caused controversies with honoring Columbus. Today I chat with author Andy Rowen, author of the historical fiction, Encounters Unforeseen: 1492 Retold, which dramatizes the history of Columbus’s epic voyage and first encounters with Native Americans from a bicultural perspective.

44. Richard Sakurai in a Japanese Camp

43. Emmy award winning journalist Fred Francis on fake news vs shallow reporting

Is it fake news? No, it’s shallow reporting according to Fred Francis. Fred is a Two-time Emmy award winning broadcast journalist that has over 46 years of experience in the communications industry. He retired as a senior correspondent after 30 years at NBC News with a longstanding expertise in national and international security. We have an interesting conversation about the evolution of journalism and how we as consumers need to do our due diligence and seek out information. Fred sheds light on the ins and outs of the news world and why it has changed so drastically in the past 10 years. He also shares some of his fascinating stories of investigative reporting from Miami crime in the 1960’s to working at the Pentagon through the Gulf war. We couldn’t chat about news and not mention the current day issues of deciphering fact from false information and how this administration treats the media.

42. Timothy Johnson on the Vietnam War

In honor of Veterans Day, I sit down to talk to Private First-Class Timothy Johnson, a military cook and paratrooper who served in the Vietnam War. I recently returned from Normandy, where I visited the D-Day beaches and landing sight of paratroopers in WWII like, Major Dick Winters from Band of Brothers. The visit to the Normandy American cemetery left me awestruck. As I walked the grounds of the park, I truly felt proud to be an American. I have the deepest respect for those that selflessly serve this country in the military. It is a sacrifice, that I do not believe I am strong enough to make, and I am grateful for their service. I admittedly have not been as active in outreach for Veterans as I should be, and after speaking with Tim, realize this is another social issue that needs attention.

41. Dave Nguyen on adoption, Operation Baby Lift, and reunions in Vietnam

In 1975, the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War was named Operation Babylift. Thousands of children were evacuated during that time, and today I speak with one of those evacuees, Dave Nguyen. Dave was adopted at the age of three by an American family and now has a family of his own. In 2010, Dave set out on a journey to discover his heritage and find his birth parents. He shares his compelling story of his return to Vietnam, visiting his birth place, and reuniting with his birth mother. Through this emotional journey, Dave discovers his own identity, and is now on a mission to find more answers about his past. I love learning from others, and in this chat, I enjoyed hearing Dave’s story of his adoption, reunions, and self-discovery and learning about Operation Babylift.

40. Margaret Suzy Wong Chan: Breast Cancer survivor on tai chi and Jamaican culture

I’m wrapping up breast cancer awareness month with a very special interview… my mom! Margaret Suzy Wong Chan joins me on the podcast today, and it is also her 70th birthday! Happy birthday Mom! We discuss her experience with breast cancer, and her healing process. My mom did not opt for chemotherapy, but instead healed with her strong spirit and practiced ancient art form of tai chi chuan. We of course do not recommend this for everyone, but listen on to hear survival story. We also go back in time and discuss her music career in Jamaica that carried over to the US. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

38.Robin Maynard on breast cancer awareness

In honor of Pink October, I am interview amazing breast cancer awareness advocates and survivors. Robin Maynard has served the citizens of Orange County as a Paramedic and Crime Scene Investigator since 1995. After the loss of her Mom Libby to breast cancer in 2006, Robin knew saving lives would take on a whole new path and with that, Libby’s Legacy was formed in 2007. Robin worked full time as a CSI while running the foundation until 2009 when she cashed in her 401K and left her career to dedicate herself to this foundation in her Mother’s honor and memory. Robin is a passionate advocate who is committed to ensuring every woman gets the breast health care and treatment they need to live a long and full life. I enjoyed meeting Robin and truly believe in the work she is doing. I am inspired after listening to Robin’s story and motivated by her passion and devotion to the cause.

36. Selina Siak Chin Yoke, breast cancer survivor, on Malaysian culture and history

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I am interviewing survivors and sharing their stories. Today, I am joined by Selina Siak Chin Yoke (石清玉) who shares her survival story.

35. Larry Nager on the art of life: Music, Cuban-American collaboration and Washboards

Larry Nager is an award-winning writer, music historian, documentary filmmaker, educator and musician based in Nashville, TN. Larry shares his experiences on his current project, Havana Time Machine, a PBS Great Performances event airing on October 6. It was filmed entirely in Cuba, and features GRAMMY-winning Americana performers Raul Malo & The Mavericks in concert with some of Cuba’s finest musicians. (see the link below for artists) Larry and I chat about music and the ability for art in all forms to bring people together. We discuss the politics of today and how history keeps repeating itself, but what each of us can do to make a difference.

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.