ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST

For decades, traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, erhu, and guzheng felt "too foreign" to Ken as he navigated the pressure to be accepted as a "true-blue American". Now at 71, embracing non-Western music has opened up an entirely new world—making a last-minute invitation to interview Wu Man an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Recognized globally as a master of the traditional Chinese lute, Wu Man shares her remarkable artistic journey, the rich heritage of the pipa, and how she continues to bridge cultures and musical genres. Catch Wu Man Live in Los Angeles: November 19: Performing Mason Bates' Concerto for Pipa at The Colburn School's Zipper Hall (tickets available via the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra website). November 22: Performing at The Wallis.

In Season 12, Episode 624, host Ken Fong sits down with Carol Chin, a Chinese immigrant entrepreneur whose journey spans Venezuela to the Greater Boston area. As the co-owner and operator of seven McDonald's locations—including the anchor franchise in Boston's historic Chinatown—Carol offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a thriving family enterprise across generations. Carol's remarkable path is featured in the short documentary Home Plate which explores how her immigrant work ethic and resilience mirrored the career transitions of her son, former professional athlete Andrew Chin. In this conversation, Carol reflects on navigating cross-cultural transitions, creating physical gathering spaces for urban communities, and defining success beyond business metrics. Home Plate can be viewed by going to the McDonald's YouTube channel.

In the wake of the 2026 midterm elections, co-hosts Ken Fong and Ken Kemp sit down to process the sweeping political shift across the nation. As election results confirm a significant Blue Wave, the Two Kens look past the headlines to examine what this outcome reveals about voter priorities, the ongoing evolution of American public discourse, and the real-world implications for leadership moving forward.

With Halloween right around the corner, we're kicking off a special pre-Halloween edition of Asian America: TKFP!Host Ken Fong welcomes Filipino American author Michael Seidlinger to explore the eerie, compelling, and deeply reflective world of horror fiction. In this episode, Michael discusses his new novella, Brokeula—a sharp, genre-bending story that reimagines classic vampire lore through a distinctly modern lens. We discuss why the horror genre continues to captivate readers, how it helps us process real-world anxieties, and the underlying symbolism woven throughout Brokeula. In this episode, we discuss: The enduring cultural appeal and relevance of horror fiction today. How horror acts as a mirror for processing societal and personal anxieties. Brokeula and its modern reinterpretation of traditional vampire tropes. Unpacking the symbolism of isolation, economic struggle, and contemporary life in Michael's latest novella. About the Guest: Michael Seidlinger is a Filipino American author of numerous books, including Brokeula, Runaway Smile, and Library of the Dead.

What does it truly take to stop waiting to be chosen and start choosing yourself? In Season 12, Episode 622, host Ken Fong is joined by multidisciplinary artist, writer, and director Christine Chang to discuss her new short film, Making Space. Starring Jessika Van and Tim Chiou, Making Space tells the story of a woman navigating emotional limbo within a complex relationship, offering a visually rich and intimate exploration of identity,boundaries, and belonging. Beyond the creative mechanics of indie filmmaking, Ken and Christine engage in a deeply personal conversation about the intentional work required to deepen and repair human connection. They reflect on the vulnerability it takes to make space for loved ones, bridge distances in family dynamics, and actively choose growth over comfort in our personal relationships.