hip hop / Sifu Mimi Chan

376. Dianne Doan on Warrior, Mulan, and Movement

I’m thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Dianne Doan to the show! Dianne is a talented actress who brings depth and authenticity to every role she’s taken on.

354. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah on Chain-Gang All-Stars

I read Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah this year and was blown away. I rarely post my reading list to social media, but when I did, he was kind enough to respond. There are certain books that leave you with strong feelings. Chain-Gang All-Stars is one of these books. Nana writes in way that is both captivating and sends a deeper message.

269. jason chu on hip hop and activism

Chinese American rapper jason chu is known for his high-energy live performances that blend introspective lyricism with crowd-moving passion. On a mission to “speak hope and healing in a broken world”, his songs and videos tell stories of youth, family, and history.

It was fascinating to learn how he blends his love for hip hop with activism. It was also inspiring to hear about his work with the community in organizations like Hate is a Virus and the Japanese American National Museum.

261. Spencer Ackerman Book Club on the Ottoman Empire and NAS

Spencer Ackerman was a guest on my show discussing his book Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump. During our conversation he mentioned he was reading a book called My Name is Red and was so enthusiastic about it, I decided to give it a read.

91. Tommy Tam on murals and graffiti street art

Tommy Tam is an incredible muralist that has been painting the wall at the Wah Lum Temple. We have named it “The Great Wall of Wah Lum”. He is incredibly talented and chooses the tool of spray can over paintbrush. We chat all about graffiti, street art, and murals.

85. Mike Relm on the DJ culture and audio – visual mash ups

MIKE RELM is best known for his audio and video mash-ups, live concerts, and broadcast work. Part director, part Hip Hop producer, and awesome DJ, Mike has introduced the world to a style that truly echoes the fever-pitched pace of modern entertainment while paying homage to classic filmmakers and musicians.

24. Adisa Banjoko on blending hip hop, chess, and martial arts

Adisa Banjoko, founder of the Hip Hop Chess Federation, developed a unique approach to helping youth embrace and apply alternative strategies to obstacles in life by providing an engaging, interactive program that helps youth cultivate the necessary life skills for success. At his center, they teach a blend of chess, hip hop performing arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The center is open to all youths, but is especially programmed for those in violent neighborhoods. I had a fascinating conversation with Adisa about the intersection of hip hop, martial arts, and chess, and found the work he is doing to bring non-violence through these mediums remarkable.