My discussion with Adrian Magno began with career transitions but quickly evolves into a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and joys of fatherhood. Adrian candidly shares his experiences of grappling with imposter syndrome and the importance of storytelling in his work. As immigrant fathers raised in Filipino households, we delve into the complexities of cultural identity and the profound impact of parenthood. Adrian reflects on his journey of self-discovery, navigating the pressures of societal expectations, and the Filipino values he hopes to pass on to his children. From the fear of fa ..read more

Dr. Tina Tang is a Retina Surgeon, embarked on a journey from Beijing, China, to Canada, then Massachusetts, and back, all while pursuing her dream career. Growing up in a small Massachusetts town as a Chinese immigrant, she grappled with her identity and the desire to fit in. Yet, the support of diverse friends helped her embrace her heritage and prioritize academics. We delve into the delicate balance between her professional and social life, and the pivotal role of mentors in her decision to specialize in retina surgery. With an unwavering commitment to her purpose, she advocates for guilt ..read more

Carlo Alcos, a second-generation immigrant, explores his identity journey in the documentary "Outsiderness." Formerly a globe-trotter, he now seeks to uncover his true sense of belonging. Our conversation delved into his upbringing in a Filipino household amidst a predominantly white environment, addressing the challenges of cultural integration. Carlo shared the catalyst for his film, recounting poignant moments of attempting to assimilate into white society. We discussed the concept of white privilege and his mission to promote diverse representation. Additionally, Carlo discussed his re-con ..read more

Yesse Kim, a Classical Pianist, embarked on a journey from Seoul, South Korea, to the grand stages of Germany. Leaving behind a fractured family dynamic, Yesse's relocation to Michigan with her mother and brother marked the beginning of her odyssey. However, the geographical distance couldn't bridge the emotional chasm, ultimately leading to her parents' divorce—a pivotal moment that shaped her outlook on relationships.    As she navigated the tumultuous waters of adolescence, Yesse found solace in her piano, but societal pressures pushed her towards a career she never desired ..read more

Rachel Liza is a talented figure skater and YouTuber. She shares her incredible journey from being adopted from China as a baby, found by the side of a bridge, to embracing life with her white adoptive parents. We delve into her evolving feelings about her identity and the unique challenges she faces, including 'Adoption Trauma' and abandonment issues that she bravely confronts in therapy.   We also discuss her experiences growing up homeschooled and how it shaped her perspective on education and self-discovery. Additionally, we explore the world of figure skating, where she opens up ..read more

Prescilla Jean "PJ" Olay is a Hollywood TV & Film Hairstylist, defies convention, emerging as an extraordinary individual despite her typical Catholic Filipino upbringing. Rebelling against her loving but strict religious parents, PJ endured constant moves due to immigration issues, even sharing a one-bedroom apartment with five family members. At seven, her parents made a sacrifice, returning to the Philippines so they could work in the US to save for a home, a move PJ embraced eagerly.    The upheaval of Covid prompted PJ to reevaluate her roots, confronting and shedding h ..read more

Join us as we dive into the world of futures design with Ruth Isabel Guerra, a Filipina-American who relocated to Prague for her studies. In this episode, we discuss our addiction to smartphones, the future of artificial intelligence, and how we can prepare for its impact. Ruth shares insights on democratizing AI to ensure it benefits all, avoiding the creation of purposeless technologies, and redefining real progress. Discover Ruth's priorities in design, the differences in education systems between the US and Prague, and her experience of being an American in Prague. Learn about her workshop ..read more

Linda Ohairwe is a passionate HR professional hailing from Uganda and now thriving in the US. From embracing her career dreams with parental support to navigating pronouns in the workplace, she's a force for inclusivity and education. In this conversation, we delve into exit interviews, resume crafting, and the nuances of remote work. Plus, gain insights on conflict resolution, active listening, and Linda's take on the ever-evolving US job market. Amidst her journey, she shares experiences of resilience, from encountering micro-racism in the Deep South to finding solace in her identity as a gl ..read more

John Hong Kim is an Orthopedic Nurse. He opened about the impact of putting himself out there, particularly through TikTok, and shared how this exposure unveiled the true nature of his support system. It became a revealing experience, separating genuine supporters from the rest and prompting introspection into his purpose as a content creator.    John also shared a story of a twist of fate with his roommate, almost akin to the movie “Trading Places,” which steered him towards the pursuit of nursing. Passionate about taking care of people and enhancing their well-being, he found ..read more

Emon Surakitkoson, an abstract artist from Baltimore, came on the podcast to share her journey from coming to the US from Thailand to be close to her sister, all the while discovering the US as the land of opportunity. From battling depression while working in a bar to finding solace in art, Emon embodies the 'Immigrant Mentality'— starting small and utilizing whatever materials she could find, using only black and white paint. No excuses, just pure determination. She unveils the transformative power of art in building confidence and narrates her story of resilience. From the challenges she fa ..read more