In this episode podcaster Ken Kemp and I dig into a new series on Netflix called "Midnight Mass." We both identified with the main character's struggles to live among people of faith on a tiny island while he no longer believes in any kind of higher power. 

ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST

The Two Kens

Dr. Chuck recently self-published a book wherein he shares the sum total of all the wisdom he learned while caring for patients and medical colleagues for over three decades. His is especially passionate in his conviction that developing better mental health is the key to our experiencing greater overall health and satisfaction.

Dr. John Chuck

Claire and her aging mother Isabel begin their journey together by visiting the once-beautiful mansion in Shanghai where the young Isabel had grown up. Much more than a trip down Memory Lane, "Remembering Shanghai" reveals the triumphs and tragedies going back five generations that mirror China's own challenges. Chao has layered the bones of this country's history with the flesh of her own family. 

Claire Chao

Early in 2021, Dr. Kwong started a movement to challenge self-professing Christian politicians in D.C. (and their pastors) to admit that they were spewing hateful, racist rhetoric that was damaging their Asian American countrymen and fomenting the belief that China poses the biggest threat to this country. Was this incredibly naive on Kwong's part, or did he have another outcome in mind?

Dr. Lucas Emile Kwong

Born deaf in one ear and with a form of autism, Shihori had no friends and was terribly bullied. She was staring at a lonely, fraught future. But she discovered that singing and writing music provided her with the means and the motivation to connect with people. Despite achieving great success in Japan, she was recently inspired to start afresh in America, launching her debut album "Mutation" on October 1, 2021.

Shihori

Before Ray's language prowess landed in the U.S. State Department, he felt God had called him to be a liturgist and musician in the Catholic Church that he so loved. But when he came out of the closet, he no longer believed that the Church would love him as much as he loved the Church. He reflects on the changes in the State Department, especially as it begins to admit its long history of homophobia and discriminatory practices against POC.

Ray Valido

While Dan is the first to say that he's clearly a work in progress, he's managed to craft a mindset and a work ethic that keeps him positive and his creative juices flowing. You'll hear a sample of his latest songs at the end of the episode. 

Dan Matthews

Hedy Wong began writing a story that she knew: hers. But it took years of refining and determination to bring it to screens in 2020 as "Take Out Girl." She is beautiful, smart, street-savvy, and oozing with talent, bringing all of that to bear as the lead in this feature film.

Hedy Wong

In this latest special episode, these two long-time friends, former pastors, and fellow podcasters critique the "reparative therapy" movement while reviewing the Netflix documentary "Pray Away." But they wrestle with why anybody--gay or straight--would willingly be part of groups the require them to repress essential aspects of who they know themselves to be.

Director/Writer Bao Tran has given us a rarity--a martial arts film where the fighters get older and have complicated lives! Ultimately, it's the timeless tale of aging warriors needing to rethink what they once believed and practiced in the face of today's challenges.

Bao Tran

Lee is a wife, a mom, a PTA leader, hosts several podcasts, and is the co-founder of the Asian American Podcasters Association (AAP), arguable the very first group to gather AAPI podcasters and those exploring possibilities. The lessons she imparts can be applied to so many aspects of our lives.

Lee Uehara

Suni Lee's Olympic triumphs have not only elevated her profile, but the heretofore invisible profile of her fellow Hmong Americans. Yet some are criticizing her for not displaying enough nationalism. Yang has been reporting on Lee and the Hmong American communities, and knows Suni well.

Nancy Yang

Award-winning novelist and creative writer Darien Hsu Gee recently published her memoirs in the form of micro essays. We talk about the artform and required discipline, she recites several of them, and then we explore what these say about her relationship to her parents and only brother. 

Darien Hsu Gee

Ever since getting a 'wake up call' about her mental health at age 14, Chang has personally prioritized it, leaving a hard-earned position as a broadcast journalist and eventually going back to grad school to become a therapist. She is using her skills as a courageous communicator, entrepreneur, and clinician today to reduce the stigma of mental illness in AAPI communities, and to promote the pursuit of mental health.

Jeanie Chang

Persons--especially coming from Evangelical backgrounds--who've been 'de-constructing', often end up with radically different positions and in vastly unfamiliar places. But for those who are married (and/or who have adult children), there's an oft-unspoken impact on family members who might be content with the status quo. The Two Kens talk frankly about how their respective journeys have impacted their spouses, then shift gears to discuss the current attacks on Critical Race Theory.

Ken Fong gets to the heart of Asian American culture, history, and spirituality. Through interviews with movers and shakers in the Asian American community -- some you know, others you've never heard of before -- prepare to laugh, cry, and be amazed.