The AACC Podcast

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang, continues his conversation with Pastor Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in Southern California. Pastor Gibbons explores the profound impact of storytelling on healing and self-discovery. He shares insights on how personal narratives can resonate with readers, providing them with the words to express unspoken emotions. Pastor Gibbons presses on the importance of shared experiences and connections fostered through literature, highlighting the transformative power of stories in people's lives. Tune in to today's episode and share it with a friend! Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Dave Gibbons Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.   A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, Brazos Press. Brazos Press is a proud sponsor of the Asian American Christian Collaborative Conference 2025. Brazos Press publishes books that creatively draw upon the riches of the Christian story to deepen our understanding of God's world and inspire faithful reflection and engagement. Learn more at BrazosPress.com.

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang engages with Pastor Dave Gibbons and they explore the unique position of Asian-Americans in society today, highlighting the cultural adaptability of AAPI and the opportunities available for them to leverage their experiences and voices in addressing societal challenges. Pastor Gibbons emphasizes the favor that Asian-Americans have in the current cultural landscape and the potential for their stories to inspire change. Join us in the conversation and share your thoughts with us! Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Dave Gibbons Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com. A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, CRU. At CRU, we're a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus. Through campus ministry, we help churches equip young adults, whether middle school, high school, or college, to live out their faith as multiplying disciples.

In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang engages in a rich conversation with Helen Lee and Shin Maeng about their collaborative children's book 'Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the evolution of its themes, particularly around prayer, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Asian American creatives in the publishing industry and the hope that this book will inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children about prayer and global issues. Join us in the conversation! A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor Boston University's School of Theology. At Boston University's School of Theology pursue your ministry and public leadership as you become a leader ready to respond to the challenges of today's global religious landscape. Transform yourself, then change the world. Find out more about their programs on BU's School of Theology website at www.bu.edu/sth/. Linked Resources:https://www.shinmaeng.com/ https://www.helenleebooks.com/ Hosts: Raymond Chang Guests: Helen Lee and Shin Maeng Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Today's episode explores the intersection of Asian American Christianity and justice, discussing the historical context of justice within Christianity, the separation of evangelism and justice, and the impact of Western individualism on Asian American faith. Our host, Raymond Chang, together with Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, emphasize the need to recover a theological understanding of justice and provide practical steps for engaging in justice within the Asian American community. Linked Resources:https://www.professorrah.com/ Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Reverend Dr. Soong-Chan Rah Engineer: Elliot Koo Producer: Daniel Harris Manager: Gracie Hulse Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

In this episode, AACC President, Ray Chang, and Professor Daniel D. Lee explore the complexities of Asian American Christianity, discussing the integration of theology and identity, the challenges faced by the community, and the importance of contextualized ministry. They emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and language to articulate the Asian American experience, while also highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage and history. This podcast provides insights into how Asian American Christians can navigate their identities and experiences within the broader context of faith and community. Linked Resources: https://aac.fuller.edu/   Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Daniel D. Lee   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang and Reverend Dr. Abraham Cho explore the complexities of Asian American Christian leadership, the journey into ministry, and the cultural identity that shapes their experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating predominantly white evangelical spaces, the diverging paths of career choices among Asian Americans, and the cultural costs associated with these dynamics. As they explore the evolving landscape of American Christianity, particularly focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by Asian American Christians, Dr. Cho points out the significance of cultural identity in faith and leadership, encouraging younger leaders to embrace their unique experiences and take initiative in their communities. Listen or download for the whole conversation and share your feedback with us!    Linked Resource: https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/our-team/abe-cho     Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Abraham Cho   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG:  @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit  asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang interviews Alice Matagora and discusses the journey of finding belonging and embracing her identity as an Asian American woman within white evangelical spaces. Alice emphasizes the need for communities that embrace and value the full expression of God's kingdom, where individuals can be their authentic selves. When faced with challenges as Asian American Christians in discipleship and leadership development, she emphasizes the importance of true belonging and being fully oneself, rather than fitting in and disowning parts of who we are. Listen in as we explore the question: How do we find true belonging and take up space?    Linked Resources:  https://www.alicematagora.com/   Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Alice Matagora    Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.  

In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang interviews Prasanta Verma about her book on ethnic loneliness and her personal journey of growing up as an Indian immigrant in predominantly white spaces. She dives deeper into the loneliness and identity conflicts she experienced while also navigating different forms of racism and marginalization that she and other Asian Americans face, both overt and subtle. Prasanta emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing one's own identity and finding community within one's own ethnic group and among allies in the dominant culture.      Linked Resources:  https://prasantaverma.com/ Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Prasanta Verma   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang sits down with the dynamic author and speaker, Simi John, for a powerful conversation about identity, faith, and culture. Simi shares her journey of navigating life as both an Indian and a Christian woman—two identities that often felt at odds. Through raw insights and personal stories, she reveals how she found clarity and confidence in scripture, embracing both her faith and heritage without compromise. Simi dives into the importance of Southeast Asian representation, the challenges and joys of raising Indian children in faith and culture, and why meaningful connection matters now more than ever.    Linked Resources:  https://www.simijohn.tv/  Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Simi John   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang speaks with Walter Kim on the relationship between Asian Americans and Evangelicalism. Should Asian Americans Christians use the term "evangelical"? Where do AAPI fit in the changing demographics of evangelicalism? And how can Asian Americans lead faithfully in evangelical contexts?    Linked Resources: https://www.nae.org/ Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Walter Kim   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Josh Huver   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang speaks with Vivian Mabuni about her journey in leadership as an Asian American woman and her work with Someday is Here. How does our journey and experience as Asian Americans inform our leadership? How can seasoned Asian American leaders support and encourage emerging Asian American leaders to lead out of who they are?   Linked Resources:  https://www.vivianmabuni.com/someday-is-here   Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Vivian Mabuni   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse   Producer: Josh Huver   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, we begin a series of discussions on the topic of Asian Americans in White Evangelical Spaces. We will be hearing from a variety of Asian American leaders from a range of contexts (church, academy, non-profit, etc) on their experiences working in predominantly White spaces. In this conversation, Raymond Chang speaks with Dr. Gregory Lee on the challenges of Asian Americans in Christian higher education. Dr. Lee shares about his experience as a professor and how he navigates his racial identity as an Asian American teaching at an evangelical institution.   Connect with Dr. Lee at gregory.lee@wheaton.edu Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Gregory Lee   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

The AACC Podcast, hosted by Raymond Chang, invites listeners to this special episode where we explore civic engagement as Asian American Christians. Featuring special guest Sam Cho, the elected commissioner of the Port of Seattle, the episode highlights his personal journey into politics, shares his insights on generational political differences, and dives into his perspectives on how we should engage in politics as Christians.   In this podcast, Sam emphasizes the importance of building relationships and how authentic engagement with people is not tied to any political party. He shares the challenges with having to constantly prove his patriotism as an Asian American. He points out the lack of parental support in the pursuit of a political career. Join us in the insightful discussion on why we, as Asian American Christians, should have a seat at the table.   Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Sam Cho   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.   We encourage all of our listeners to vote. Find your state-specific election information and also in-language material at the APIAVote website: https://apiavote.org/how-to-vote/in-your-state/. 

In the season finale of the AACC Reclaim Podcast, Raymond Chang and co-host Josh Huver close the 'Speaking to the Culture' series. They explore how Asian American Christians can address challenging topics and advocate for social justice, bringing their unique perspectives to these vital issues.   This episode discusses the importance of engaging with culture from a Christian standpoint, promoting a vision of hope and kindness. It addresses the challenges and fears associated with speaking out on sensitive issues, underlining the critical role of Asian American voices in advocating for change. The conversation emphasizes breaking down stereotypes and making a positive impact both within Christian circles and in broader society. Listeners are encouraged to find their own voice and contribute to meaningful societal transformation, inspiring a sense of action and responsibility.   Hosts: Raymond Chang and Josh Huver   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

The AACC Reclaim Podcast, hosted by Raymond Chang and Katie Nguyen Palomares, invites listeners to explore engaging culture with sensitivity. Featuring guest Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, a writer and communications consultant, the episode highlights her impactful contributions to organizations like D.Light and her insights from living across various cultures. Dorcas, author of "Start, Love, Repeat" and "Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul," shares wisdom on cultural engagement.    Throughout the conversation, Dorcas emphasizes the importance of embracing our unique gifts and passions while pursuing meaningful goals. Reflecting on her own experiences, she discusses the pitfalls of conforming to stereotypes in social activism and the need to prioritize emotional well-being. The episode serves as a reminder to listeners that authentic engagement with justice issues should not come at the expense of personal health and growth. Hosts: Raymond Chang and Katie Nguyen Palomares    Guest: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.  

Join host Raymond Chang and special guest Dr. Matthew Kim from Baylor University on the AACC Reclaim Podcast for a compelling exploration of faith and community dynamics within the Asian American Christian sphere. This episode delves into the impact of societal and economic pressures on church life, particularly focusing on the growing sense of isolation among congregants. The discussion highlights how these challenges are especially pronounced among younger church members, seeking a balance between spiritual engagement and modern life demands.   Raymond and Dr. Kim engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the transformative power of preaching. They emphasize its role in promoting reconciliation, unity, and spiritual growth, while also addressing the critical issue of loneliness within the church. Through a blend of theological insight and practical wisdom, the episode offers perspectives on enhancing the sense of belonging and community in the church, underscoring the importance of hospitality in ministry and the need for more inclusive and understanding church environments. Hosts: Raymond Chang    Guest: Dr. Matthew Kim   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Tune into this wrap-up conversation as AACC President Raymond Chang and Co-Host Katie Nguyen Palomares are joined by DJ Chuang to discuss the nuances of applying mental health care to our everyday lives.   They share their own unique journeys in mental health, expand on patterns in culture and the Church at large, and share a little about the hope of meeting Jesus as you lean into this space.   Linked Resources:  https://camh.network/ https://erasingshame.com/ IG: @erasingshame   Hosts: Raymond Chang & Katie Nguyen Palomares    Guest: DJ Chuang   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.  

Join us as we continue our dialogue series exploring various aspects and perspectives regarding mental health and how it pertains to the AAPI community. This week, host and AACC President Raymond Chang along with DJ Chuang talk with Ying-Ying Shiue, a licensed professional clinical counselor. She is credentialed as a school counselor in California as well as being a National Certified Counselor. Ying-Ying has worked in a wide range of settings, including school, after school, community, nonprofit, juvenile justice, and private practice, serving children, youth, adults, and families. Tune into this edifying conversation as they dive into the topic of mental health from the perspecitve of a mental healthcare worker and advocate who's work has centered around on-the-ground work with the next generation, and where that overlaps with AAPI identity and engagement with mental health in and outside of the church sphere as well.   Hosts: Raymond Chang    Guest(s): Ying-Ying Shiue & DJ Chuang   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares   Producer: Sean Dupiano   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Explore the intersection of faith and mental health with J.S. Park, a Korean-American hospital chaplain whose journey from atheism to chaplaincy is nothing short of remarkable. In this podcast, J.S. Park candidly shares his experiences and insights, drawing from his unique perspective as a thera-priest—a term he coined that perfectly encapsulates his role as an interfaith chaplain. With a background in both psychology and theology, J.S. Park seamlessly weaves together his Christian faith and mental health advocacy, a blend that shines through in his book, "The Voices We Carry." Join us as we delve into his work at a top-tier hospital and his past service with a leading East Coast charity for the homeless. Through his story, we navigate the challenging terrain of faith, mental wellness, and cultural perspectives, seeking to bridge the gap between these vital aspects of life. Linked Resources:  The Voices We Carry Hosts: Raymond Chang, Katie Nguyen Palomares Guest: JS Park Engineer: Elliot Koo Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares Producer: Sean Dupiano Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

In these thought-provoking conversations, host Katie Nguyen Palomares engages with Mary Kim, a senior in college, as they share their personal stories and insights, providing a unique window into the world of today's youth and their evolving relationship with tradition, culture, and religion. Discover the hopes and aspirations of Gen Z and how they envision a more inclusive and harmonious future alongside previous generations. Listen in to explore the dynamic interplay between Gen Z and their predecessors, shedding light on the complexities of identity, heritage, and faith. Episode Number (within season): 7 Episode Number (overall): 13 Hosts: Katie Nguyen Palomares  Guest: Mary Kim Engineer: Elliot Koo Podcast Manager: Katie Nguyen Palomares Producer: Sean Dupiano Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.