orlando / Sifu Mimi Chan

87. Taja Fox on empowering women through mentorship

I had the pleasure of speaking with Taja Fox of Bliss Women Magazine. She shares her philosophy on intentional living and how this has helped women in her community. Bliss provides mentorship for women who need help with healthcare, wellness, or support with any aspect of life. I enjoyed talking to Taja about her work as well as her move from Florida to laid-back Bermuda.

83. Ricardo Williams on Nerd Nite Orlando

Ricardo Williams is a filmmaker, musician, event organizer, and program manager. Since studying communications at Pace University in NYC, he’s appeared in commercials and independent films and produced numerous albums. He’s also guest lectured on film theory and video production at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Currently, Ricardo is the host of Nerd Nite Orlando.

82. Jeff Prystajko on Come Out With Pride Orlando

Jeff Prystajko is a highly engaged member of both Orlando’s tech and LGBTQ nonprofit communities. As the current board president and former director of marketing for Come Out With Pride Orlando, one of the largest annual pride celebrations in Florida, Jeff leads a volunteer-based team to organize and execute the biggest single-day parade and festival in the city. He is passionate about giving back to the community as well as encouraging activism in others.

78. Ricky Ly on food and the Asian American culture in Orlando

As you all know, I love food. Today, I chat with Ricky Ly, food blogger of Tasty Chomps Orlando and author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Orlando: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings.

73. Sheriff Jerry Demings on his vision as Orange County Mayor

Today I talk with Sheriff Jerry Demings on his vision for Orlando as he runs for Orange County Mayor. I appreciated his thoughts on immigration, diversity, sustainability, and affordable housing. As you know, I have been a little politically charged of late. I feel it is our job to demand more of our public officials and I am hopeful that the changes and policies that Sheriff Demings envisions will become a reality for us here in Orange County, Florida. I encourage you to listen openly and leave a comment. No matter what, register to vote and be involved! I endorse Sheriff Demings for Mayor and hope after hearing his vision for Orange County, you will too.

Kung Fu Tournaments

68. Lisa Santoni Cromar on Domestic Abuse

I had an engaging chat with Lisa Santoni Cromar about her work in public service, like the Women’s March and domestic violence advocacy. I love meeting women who take action, and Lisa certainly is a woman of action.

61. Julio Ricardo Varela on Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria, and Tostones

Today I sit down with Julio Ricardo Varela (cohost In the Thick, LatinoUSA) to discuss the devastation after Hurricane Maria that still plagues the island today. We also go deeper into the underlying problems that the island has faced for decades. Julio hopes that the attention Hurricane Maria has brought to Puerto Rico will result in real action and changes being made that are long overdue. We also talk tostones and dominoes, so listen on as we delve into the culture of Puerto Rico.

55. Teens on why they Walkout

On March 14, 2018, one month after the shooting in Parkland, FL, over 3000 Walkouts took place around the world. For 17 minutes students walked out of their classrooms to honor the 17 lives that were lost in the brutal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

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.

37. Dan Springen, director of the Orlando Film Festival, on indie filmmaking

Daniel Springen is the executive director of the Orlando Film Festival and an award winning director. We talk about the ins and outs of film festivals and the challenges indie filmmakers face today. He shares tips for indie filmmakers on how to make a quality film on a small budget, plus what curators are looking for when choosing a film to screen at a festival. My film, Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer screened at his film festival in 2012, and it was one of the most fun festivals we attended. The parties, panels, and workshops were fantastic, and the event has gotten even bigger over the years. Screening 411 films over 8 days, this is an event not to be missed in Orlando. Check out the Orlando Film Festival October 19-26 at the Cobb Theater in downtown Orlando.

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.