Big Asian Energy

What do you do when the industry tells you there's no space for you? You build your own.In this episode, John Wang sits down with Don Michael "Don Mike" Mendoza, Broadway producer, talent manager, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Producing While Asian, for a conversation about what it really takes to create opportunity when the door hasn't been opened for you yet.Don Mike shares the one piece of advice that changed his life and career: don't be afraid to ask for what you want. And if you hear no? You're asking the wrong person. He breaks down how he went from being told he had a limited future on stage to producing Here Lies Love on Broadway: the first Broadway musical with an all-Filipino cast and how the instinct to build was something passed down through his family long before he ever set foot in a theater.They also get into what it means to be "the only" in the room, why crab mentality is one of the biggest threats to community progress, and how the most powerful thing you can do once you've made it through the door is hold it open for everyone behind you.In this episode:Why asking for what you want is harder for first-gen and immigrant families  and why it's worth unlearning the shame around itThe Kris Jenner rule Don Mike swears by when he hears noHow he built LA TI DO from a basement bar underneath a sex shop in Washington D.C. into a national production companyThe phone call on 45th Street that landed him on Broadway — and how it started with befriending a writer named Zach and meeting his first management client, Vincent Rodriguez IIIWhy authenticity and research are non-negotiable when you're telling someone else's storyThe real reason Here Lies Love is still relevant todayConnect with Don Mike: Instagram: @donmikemendoza Company: @dmhmendozaproductions Website: dmhproductions.com Podcast: Producing While AsianDon Michael H. Mendoza, (Don Mike), is the Founder of DMH Mendoza Productions and the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of LA TI DO where through both entities he’s produced on Broadway (Here Lies Love), Off-Broadway (Hazing U), and hundreds of cabarets, concerts, theatrical shows, and events nationally since 2012. Concurrently, he is an international talent manager, and as an independent marketing professional, he served as the first Director of Marketing & Media for the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles and the Pennsylvania State Chair for Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz. Mendoza is an alumnus of the Commercial Theater Institute in New York City, and holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre & Journalism and an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University where he sits on the Alumni Association Board. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for Winchester Thurston School, and the Board of Directors for New York Theatre Barn, and The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh.As always — when we rise, we rise together.

You worked hard, hit the goal, and then felt nothing. If you've ever reached a milestone you'd been chasing for years only to feel strangely empty on the other side, you're not broken. You're on the Achiever Treadmill, and this episode is going to show you exactly how to step off it.In this deeply personal episode, John opens up about what happened after publishing his book Big Asian Energy, a childhood dream that landed him on the Wall Street Journal, NBC, and Amazon's Top 20 Business Books of 2025. Despite all of it, he felt lost. He uses that experience to break down the psychology behind "not-enoughness," where it comes from, and how to reclaim your own sense of worth.What You'll LearnThe Science of the Achiever Treadmill Psychologists Dr. Philip Brickman and Donald Campbell studied lottery winners, accident survivors, and everyday people and found that within a year, everyone returned to the same baseline happiness level. Your brain is wired to adapt. That promotion, that raise, that dream job title all become the new floor faster than you think. This is hedonic adaptation, and it's why external achievement can never permanently fill an internal gap.Where "Not-Enoughness" Really Comes From For many Asian Americans, the roots go back to childhood. Dr. Bart Soren's research on "conditional regard" shows how children who only receive affection tied to performance start to believe their worth lives in their output, not in who they are. Add in the model minority myth, and research from Claremont College shows it creates some of the highest rates of imposter syndrome among the highest-performing students.How to Actually Break the Cycle John shares the two-word piece of advice from a monk friend that changed his entire year, plus two practical tools you can start using today. The first is the "Whose Voice Is This?" practice, where you pause before chasing the next goal and ask whether the desire is genuinely yours or an expectation you inherited from someone else. The second is a Micro Wins Journal, a simple folder on your phone where you log small wins and moments of progress to train your nervous system to recognize that you're already moving forward.Key Quotes"More pressure doesn't build confidence, it builds more self-doubt.""No external achievement will ever get you to enough if you don't currently feel like you are enough.""You can't step off a treadmill you didn't know you were on.""Enoughness is your birthright."Resources Mentioned📖 Big Asian Energy by John Wang, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Named one of Amazon's Top 20 Best Business Books of 2025.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. When we rise, we rise together.

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, host John Wang sits down with resident psychologist, sexuality and relationships expert, and author of Patterns That Remain,  Dr. Stacy Litam, for one of the most honest, charged, and long-overdue conversations in the Asian diaspora space: interracial relationships, and everything society projects onto them.In this episode, they cover:The "Oxford Study" explained — What it actually is, where it came from (a 2023 TikTok comment), and why people keep using it to shame Asian women in interracial relationshipsIs it “Asian fetish” or “Just a preference”?  — How to tell the difference, what red flags actually look like, and whether fetishization can exist in a loving, consensual relationshipInternalized racism and partner selection — How to identify if someone’s partner selection was influenced by internalized racism The demasculinization of Asian men and hypersexualization of Asian women — How decades of Hollywood representation (or lack thereof) shaped the dating landscape, and how things are shifting"You're muddying the bloodline" and "You're colonized" — Unpacking the three most common attacks Asians in interracial relationships receive. How to talk to your family about dating a non-Asian person — A practical framework for navigating parental disapproval, separating "need to haves" from "nice to haves," and addressing fear with compassionThe "Chinese era" trend — Why cultural appreciation gone corporate is a problem, and the line between appreciation and appropriationDr. Stacy Litam is a licensed psychologist and one of the leading voices on Asian American mental health, sexuality, and identity. Find her on Instagram and check out her previous episodes on Big Asian Energy for more.Show LinksGuest: Dr. Stacey Litam Website: www.staceylitam.com Instagram: @drstaceyalitamPatterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants Available on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Patterns-that-Remain-Children-Immigrants/dp/0197762670

Ever feel a knot in your stomach when a cousin gets into med school, or a coworker lands a big promotion? If you grew up in an Asian household, you may have felt that sense of comparison dread before.  In this episode, John breaks down the fascinating science behind why Asian and Western cultures are wired to respond to success and failure in almost completely opposite ways. In this episode, you'll learn:Why Japanese students work harder after failure while North Americans work harder after success, based on a landmark 2001 study that reveals how Asian and Western motivational systems are often flipped.The difference between the independent vs. interdependent model of self — and how your cultural background shapes what makes you feel valuable at the most fundamental level.How social comparison works as a tool of motivation in collectivist cultures, and why "upward comparison" isn't threatening to East Asians, but  informationalWhy perfectionism in Asian cultures is often a survival strategy, not just a personality trait.The hidden reason why Western talk therapy and standard mental health advice can actually increase stress for East Asian people.How immigrant family dynamics intensify these pressures — and what often gets missed about the genuine benefits of collectivist systems.Referenced Research:Heine & Lehman (2000s) — Japanese vs. Canadian participants on self-assessment biasHeine et al. (2001) — Success/failure feedback and task persistence across culturesWhite & Lehman (2005) — Upward comparison preferences after failure in Asian CanadiansKo & Kim — Interpersonal vs. intergroup comparison and self-esteem in Asian AmericansResources Mentioned:Quiz: The 7 most common achievement patterns in Asian Americans → bigasianenergy.comBook: Big Asian Energy by John Wang

Guest: Diana YK Chan, Personal Branding & Authority Strategist, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, 7-time UN SpeakerEpisode Overview:Have you ever talked yourself out of an opportunity before you even tried? In this episode, John sits down with Diana YK Chan, personal branding strategist, LinkedIn top voice, and one of the most practical voices in the space when it comes to visibility and confidence. Diana breaks down why so many talented people stay stuck, undercharge, and undersell themselves and exactly what to do about it.Whether you're launching a business, gunning for a promotion, or trying to get on bigger stages, this conversation gives you mindset shifts and tactical frameworks you can use immediately.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat imposter syndrome actually is and why 70% of people experience itDiana's 3-step framework: Identify → Believe → Voice your valueThe difference between speaking from your head vs. your heart — and why it changes everythingHow to "borrow belief" when you don't have enough of your own yetDiana's 4 Pillars of Marketability: Positioning, Credibility, Visibility, and RelatabilityThe "features tell, benefits sell" rule that will change how you pitch yourselfWhy the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make is undercharging — and how to fix itHow to use the "What would NOT have happened if I wasn't there?" question to own your impactWhy sharing vulnerable stories on LinkedIn led Diana to become a LinkedIn Top VoiceKey Quotes"How you see yourself shapes how others see you.""Nothing has meaning except the meaning you give it.""When you don't believe in yourself yet, borrow that belief.""Selling is serving. When you shift that, everything changes.""Stop underselling, underrepresenting, and undermining yourself.""A no doesn't mean not ever, it just means not right now."Resources & LinksConnect with Diana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianaykchanDiana's LinkedIn Learning Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/diana-yk-chanDiana's company: My Marketability - https://mymarketability.com/

Stephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago.  He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud.  Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history. In this episode, Stephen Lee shares his journey from a shy kid to a high-stakes trial lawyer, dismantling the "quiet professional" stereotype along the way. He provides a masterclass in self-advocacy, the importance of building a niche personal brand, and the technical communication skills needed to command a room or a courtroom.Key Takeaways:Be Your Own Best Advocate: As a lawyer, you're trained to fight for your clients, but often forget to fight for yourself. Stephen emphasizes that doing "great work" isn't enough to reach senior levels; you must be intentional and vocal about your career goals.The Power of a Niche Brand: In a crowded field, specialization is key. Stephen explains how narrowing his focus to healthcare fraud and data analytics helped him stand out more effectively than being a generalist.Strategic Networking: Forget the cocktail parties. Real connections are built through collaborative work, such as organizing panels or volunteering for bar associations.Mastering Presence and Communication: Stephen shares the "sprinkler vs. sniper" technique and the importance of pacing and gestures in public speaking, skills he learned through high-stakes trial experience.Confidence Through Survival: True confidence isn't born from success, but from surviving rejection and failure.About Stephen LeeStephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago.  He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud.  Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history. Connect with Stephen:AABA Chicago: https://aabaogc.wildapricot.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenchahnlee/Website: https://www.stephenleelaw.com/Asian American legal history written by Stephen: https://ourapaheritage.substack.com/The Portrait Project: https://www.apaportraitproject.org/ Love this episode? Share it with someone who’s ready to level up their career. And don't forget to grab your copy of Big Asian Energy, now available on Amazon and major bookstores!

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, host John Wang sits down with our amazing resident psychologist Dr. Stacey Litam to jam on what’s in and what’s out for 2026. From how to rewire our brain for joy to oversharing, this new episode uncovers what’s actually working to make a change in your life. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam/Website: https://www.staceylitam.com/Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DM8JJTB7?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true

In this episode, we dive into the "invisible weight" carried by many Asian adults, particularly those from immigrant families who grew up as the "competent ones" everyone turns to. We explore how early role responsibilities, such as translating at the doctor’s office or managing a parent’s emotional state, create a survival strategy that follows us into adulthood. Our conversation breaks down the concept of adultification, the difference between healthy high performance and anxious over-functioning, and how to move from reactive fixing to responsive choice. Notable Quotes: "Adultification happens when the parent-child hierarchy basically flips upside down... the child instead becomes a caregiver to the parent." "There’s a massive difference between healthy high performance and over-functioning... healthy high performance happens when you choose to excel because you’re genuinely excited. Over-functioning comes out of a sense of compulsion." "True maturity isn’t actually doing everything for everyone. It’s knowing what is actually yours to carry and allowing other people to do what they’re here to do." "Being a good child [often] means erasing your needs entirely or hiding them so that you’re not adding more inconvenience and burden to your parents' already heavy plates." Key Discussion Points: The Two Types of Adultification: Breaking down "Instrumental Adultification" (logistics and bills) versus the "sneakier" "Emotional Adultification" (becoming a parent’s therapist or marriage counselor). The Cultural Amplifier: How immigrant survival mode forces children to become cultural interpreters and emotional caretakers before they have a choice. Hyper-vigilance vs. Emotional Intelligence: Why being "good at reading the room" is often a nervous system adaptation learned to predict emotional outbursts in childhood. The 10-Second Pause: A practical tool to interrupt the autopilot "fixer" instinct and allow for self-regulation. Differentiation: Learning to build your own identity and value system while still remaining emotionally connected to your family.

Guest: Dave Lu (Managing Partner of Hyphen Capital. Founder of Expo and Fanpop. Founder of Stand with Asian Americans. Producer of 38 at the Garden. Board of Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.) Host: John Wang In this episode, John sits down with Dave Lu, a serial entrepreneur, Emmy-winning producer, and the founder and managing partner of Hyphen Capital, one of the top VC funds focused on backing Asian American founders and cross-cultural entrepreneurs. From the viral "Enough" letter in the Wall Street Journal to the nuances of venture capital, Dave is a walking masterclass on how to stop being "invisible" and start being audacious. In our conversation Dave dives into the "hoop-jumping" mentality that traps many Asian American professionals and explains how to transition from feeling the need to seek validation to building real influence. Notable Quotes: "I started from a place where I felt Asians are invisible….But I realized that, we feel like we’re unseen, but oftentimes we don’t even see ourselves. So how can anyone else see us?” — Dave Lu “I did everything I thought I needed to do to make my parents proud, but also to find validation and self-worth through all the hoops I was jumping through. And I think that chase for self-worth and validation from just doing things and achieving things, it just led to emptiness again and again.” — Dave Lu “All the rules to gain power are antithetical to how Asians are raised. We’re raised to follow every rule, don’t stick out, don’t break rules, don’t disagree, don’t argue. But one of the rules to gain power is to be self-promotional and build your brand, and we’re never taught to do that.” – Dave Lu "If you don’t take credit for your work, someone else will. Advocating for yourself is having agency." — Dave Lu Dave Lu Links: https://www.davelu.com/ https://www.davelu.com/podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7plRO8VeNdoAT5fplNoNP4 https://substack.com/@davelu https://twitter.com/davelu https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelu    

In this conversation, Sun Yi and John Wang explore the significance of authenticity in personal branding, particularly within the context of Asian American cultural expectations. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity, the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, and how honesty in business can build trust. The dialogue emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace their true selves and share their experiences to foster genuine connections with others. In this conversation, Sun Yi and John Wang explore the intricacies of personal branding and storytelling. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the hero's journey, and how to transform personal trauma into compelling narratives. Sun Yi emphasizes the need to identify one's weaknesses and how they can be reframed as strengths. The discussion also touches on the balance between authenticity and marketing strategy, highlighting the significance of genuine connection with the audience. Sun Yi shares insights on crafting a personal brand that resonates with others while maintaining integrity and depth.

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Sheila Lirio Marcelo, co-founder of the Asian American Foundation and CEO of Ohai.ai. Sheila shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the US from the Philippines as a child to becoming a serial entrepreneur who built Care.com into a platform serving 45 million families. She opens up about transforming from a "tiger mom" leadership style to leading from the heart, and reveals how inner work and meditation helped her move from chasing approval to finding authentic power through love and service. What Sheila Lirio Marcelo Shares: How Asian Americans can break free from stereotypical leadership patterns by shifting from performing for approval to leading authentically from the heart The power of inner work practices like meditation, journaling, and Internal Family Systems to heal childhood imprints and transform limiting beliefs into sources of strength Why embracing our full identities—rather than hiding parts of ourselves—represents a fundamental shift from assimilation to integration, celebrating how our diverse backgrounds make us whole About Sheila Lirio Marcelo Sheila Lirio Marcelo is a serial entrepreneur and community leader who has built multiple platforms serving millions of families. She founded Care.com in 2006, scaled it to serve 45 million users, took it public in 2014, and exited in 2020 when it was acquired by IAC for $500 million. She is co-founder of the Asian American Foundation (TAAF), launched in 2021 to address Asian hate and promote belonging, safety, and prosperity for Asian Americans. Currently, she serves as co-founder and CEO of Ohai.ai, an AI-powered personal assistant platform helping families manage their mental load. A Harvard Law and Business School graduate who became a mother during college, Sheila has been recognized in Fortune's top 10 women entrepreneurs and Forbes' 50 over 50 list. She is a grandmother, mother of two, and dedicated advocate for caregivers and Asian American communities.

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Dr. Ken Fong, the godfather of Asian American pastors and host of the top 1% Asian America Ken Fong podcast. Dr. Fong shares his journey from being told he was "30 years too soon" to creating the first Pan-Asian church in America, and reveals how Asian Americans can break free from gatekeeping systems to forge entirely new paths of leadership and community. What Dr. Ken Fong Shares: How breaking free from cultural gatekeeping and generational expectations enables Asian Americans to create new paradigms of leadership The power of building redemptive communities that transcend dominant culture assimilation and create space for authentic identity Why mastering your own instrument first is essential before showing up to collaborative spaces as an Asian American leader About Dr. Ken Fong Dr. Ken Fong is a third-generation Chinese American who created one of the first Pan-Asian churches in the US in 1978, long before "Asian American" became mainstream. A retired pastor with over 40 years of ministry experience, he now hosts the Asian America The Ken Fong Podcast, which has been downloaded nearly 800,000 times, ranks in the top 1% of podcasts globally, and is archived by UCLA's Asian American Studies Center for its cultural significance. Dr. Fong has spent decades amplifying the voices of Asian American artists, activists, and community builders, and serves as a bridge between generations of Asian American leadership. Connect with Dr. Ken Fong Podcast: Asian America The Ken Fong Podcast (available on all podcast platforms) Website: asianamericapodcast.com/ Instagram: @asianamericapodcast Facebook: Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with clinical psychologists Dr. Michelle Chung and Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge to explore their groundbreaking Modern Asian Parent (MAP) movement—a research-based approach that challenges traditional tiger parenting while honoring cultural heritage. The doctors share why effective parenting starts with parents doing their own inner work around generational trauma, how to redefine success beyond traditional career paths, and why validation is the missing ingredient in most Asian family dynamics.   What Dr. Michelle and Dr. Laura Share: Why healing generational trauma and perfectionism starts with parents doing their own inner work first Redefining success beyond doctor-lawyer-engineer to support unconventional career paths Building values-based parenting through connection, validation, and authentic strengths About Dr. Michelle Chung Dr. Michelle Chung is a clinical psychologist and head of Inpractice Psychology, specializing in anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. As a board member at Korean Community Services, she works directly with Asian families navigating the tension between cultural expectations and mental health. A recovering perfectionist herself and mother to a budding artist, Dr. Michelle is passionate about helping families break toxic cycles of pressure and achievement while building emotionally intelligent, values-aligned relationships.   About Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge is a Hawaii and New York-based child psychologist and former middle school teacher with specialized training from the Child Mind Institute and NYU Child Study Center. She works with children, teenagers, and families dealing with stress, anxiety, and the unique pressures facing Asian American youth. Dr. Laura focuses on giving parents practical tools to become cheerleaders for their children's emotional wellbeing while teaching stress management skills the whole family can practice together.   Connect with Dr. Michelle Chung and Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge Website: themodernasianparent.com (free worksheets and resources) Instagram: @themodernasianparent Substack: themodernasianparent.substack.com

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Leo Xia (professionally known as Lowhi), a Los Angeles-based men's mental health facilitator and founder of JinShan Collective and Proud Asian Men. Leo shares his powerful journey from classical pianist to leading transformative men's circles across the US, revealing how Asian men can break free from the belief that pain must precede worthiness. Through raw conversations about isolation, the pressure to perform, and the shame of vulnerability, Leo illuminates why community and brotherhood are essential for Asian men to sleep better at night—literally and figuratively. What Leo Shares: Healing generational wounds around worthiness and the belief that pain must precede love Why Asian men's groups succeed where traditional therapy and individualistic approaches fall short Redefining masculinity through vulnerability and community rather than performance and external validation   About Leo XiaLeo Xia (known professionally as Lowhi) is a Los Angeles-based men's mental health facilitator, founder of JinShan Collective, and lead facilitator of Proud Asian Men (partnered with the Asian Mental Health Project). As an alt R&B lo-fi artist, he uniquely blends creative expression with deep emotional work. For the past five years, Leo has been leading men's circles, retreats, and workshops across the US, creating spaces where Asian men explore identity, heal generational wounds, and build lasting brotherhood through movement, music, open dialogue, and somatic practices. His work integrates emotional intelligence, communication skills, and authentic self-expression to help Asian men redefine what masculinity means on their own terms. Connect with Leo Xia: Instagram: @lowhiofficialWebsite: proudasianmen.com Check Out the Upcoming Vancouver Wellness Retreat here

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Jane Chen, entrepreneur and author of the forthcoming memoir "Like A Wave We Break," to explore how childhood trauma shapes entrepreneurial drive and why healing work is essential for sustainable success. Jane shares her powerful journey from Stanford graduate student to founder of Embrace, a company that saved over a million babies, and reveals how a complete breakdown led her to Indonesia for a transformative healing journey. Through exploring everything from Internal Family Systems therapy to MDMA-assisted therapy, Jane discovered that true resilience isn't about pushing harder, but about coming home to yourself. What Jane Shares: How childhood trauma and adverse experiences shape our relationship with achievement and success Why psychological safety in leadership starts with your own inner healing work Healing modalities that transform trauma into authentic self-leadership About Jane Chen Jane Chen is the author of "Like A Wave We Break," a memoir exploring trauma, healing, and finding worthiness beyond achievement. She is the founder of Embrace, a social enterprise that created a low-cost infant warmer that has helped over one million premature babies in remote areas worldwide. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Jane has been honored by President Obama and supported by Beyonce. After experiencing burnout and a mental breakdown ten years into building Embrace, Jane embarked on an intensive healing journey that transformed her understanding of success, resilience, and leadership. She now works as a leadership coach, bringing trauma-informed practices to help leaders create psychologically safe teams and organizations. Connect with Jane Chen Website: Jane Chen's Website "Like A Wave We Break"  available wherever you get your books

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Emmy Award-winning journalist and NBC News anchor Vicky Nguyen to explore her remarkable journey from Vietnamese refugee camp to national television and New York Times bestselling author. Vicky shares powerful insights from her memoir "Boat Baby" about the immigrant experience, breaking through the bamboo ceiling in broadcast journalism, and why she now embraces bringing her full identity to her work after years of staying neutral. From navigating jealousy early in her career to empowering the next generation, Vicky offers wisdom on collective success, generational healing, and what it means to truly thrive rather than just survive. What Vicky Shares: Why integration, not assimilation, is the key to authentic success in professional spaces Breaking the survival-mode parenting cycle to raise children who thrive without identity insecurity How adopting an abundance mindset over competition elevates the entire Asian American community About Vicky NguyenVicky Nguyen is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, NBC News correspondent, and anchor of NBC News Daily. Born in a Saigon, her family fled Vietnam by boat when she was just 8 months old before their journey to make a new life in America. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir "Boat Baby." Throughout her career in broadcast journalism, Vicky has worked across the country—from Orlando to California to New York—covering major national stories including the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. She is passionate about representation in media, platforming diverse voices and thought leaders, and using her position to inspire the next generation that "if you can see it, you can be it." Vicky lives in New York with her family. Connect with Vicky Nguyen"Boat Baby" by Vicky Nguyen available wherever books are sold

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with TeachAAPI co-founders Ann Kono and Renee Yang to explore how personal experiences of racism against their children during COVID sparked them to leave successful corporate careers and create systemic change in education. Ann and Renee share their journey from C-suite executives to education activists and reveal how they've reached 125,000 children across schools nationwide by building bridges rather than creating division. What Ann and Renee Share: Why AAPI education must move beyond once-a-year celebrations Building confidence in parents and educators to advocate for full representation in schools Navigating political volatility around education by creating safe educator communities built on authenticity, trust, and peer-to-peer support new quotes for these ones About Ann Kono Ann Kono is co-founder of TeachAAPI and a 2025 Female Executive of the Year Finalist from the LA Business Journal. A Chinese American who grew up in inner city Boston, she built a 25+ year career in corporate leadership, helping grow assets from $18 billion to $150 billion and serving on multiple public company boards. After her son faced microaggressions during COVID, she activated her network to create TeachAAPI, transforming her experience with childhood racism into a force for systemic educational change. About Renee Yang Renee Yang is co-founder of TeachAAPI with a 25-year career in strategic marketing at Fortune 500 companies including Neutrogena and Mattel. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Los Angeles, she combines her corporate expertise with deep passion for education equity. After her fifth-grade son courageously stood up to racist comments during Zoom school, she partnered with Ann to create programming that has achieved a 95% school retention rate and reached over 125,000 students. Connect with TeachAAPI Website: teachaapi.org Social media: Follow @TeachAAPI

Breaking PR Gatekeeping: Visibility, Trauma, and Authentic Storytelling with Gloria Chou In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with award-winning PR strategist Gloria Chou to explore how cultural conditioning affects business visibility and why healing generational trauma is essential for entrepreneurial success. Gloria shares her journey from US diplomat to PR disruptor and reveals how small business owners can land major media features without expensive agencies or connections. What Gloria Shares: How cultural conditioning and generational trauma impact business visibility for BIPOC entrepreneurs Breaking down the gatekeeping in PR to make media access democratized and affordable The CPR framework for pitching journalists without expensive PR agencies About Gloria Chou Gloria Chou is an award-winning PR strategist, host of the top-rated Small Business PR podcast, and Forbes Next 1000 honoree. A former US diplomat turned PR disruptor, she helps BIPOC and female entrepreneurs land features in outlets like The New York Times, Forbes, and Vogue without connections or massive followings. After experiencing burnout and a health crisis from chasing traditional success metrics, Gloria rebuilt her business around authentic messaging and community healing. She's passionate about dismantling PR industry gatekeeping and creating safe spaces for marginalized entrepreneurs to step into visibility. Connect with Gloria Chou Instagram: @gloriachouprFree Masterclass: learn.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass or DM "ASIAN" on Instagram for AI workflow resource Podcast: Small Business PR

In this spontaneous street encounter turned deep conversation, John Wang sits down with internationally renowned entrepreneur John Lee for an exploration of wealth creation, business psychology, and the future of entrepreneurship. Recorded on-site in Austin after a chance meeting, this episode dives into the mental frameworks that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle, and how AI is reshaping the business landscape. What John Lee Shares: The inner work and mindset shifts required to build substantial wealth How AI is creating new business opportunities while disrupting traditional industries Breaking through cultural limitations to build a global entrepreneurial empire About John Lee John Lee is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, investor, and speaker who has been featured in Forbes, Sunday Times, and BBC. Awarded Man of the Year in 2017 by Global Women's Magazine, he has built a community of over 6 million social media followers worldwide. Starting as an animator who was paid £50,000 to speak on his first major stage, John transformed unconventional skills into business advantages. His empire now spans multiple industries, and he's pioneered AI clone technology that allows entrepreneurs to scale their expertise. His upcoming book with Hay House focuses on the psychology of wealth creation and business success. Connect with John Lee:Website: https://johnlee.com/Instagram: @john_lee_official

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy, AAPI author and podcast host John Wang provides an in-depth psychological analysis of the Netflix phenomenon K-pop Demon Hunters. This animated film has broken streaming records worldwide while exploring themes of Asian American identity, intergenerational trauma, and mental health. John decodes the deeper meanings behind the demon-fighting storyline to reveal insights about cultural patterns, perfectionism, and generational healing in Asian communities. What John shares: How "faults and fears must never be seen" reflects collectivist cultural conditioning Understanding patterns as unconscious behaviors that limit our potential Why shame-based identity creates self-sabotage and how vulnerability heals it Connect with John Wang Instagram: @johnwangofficial"Big Asian Energy" book - Available at major retailersFree Big Asian Energy patterns quiz at bigasianenergy.com