First of All

In this episode, Minji sits down with a woman who impacted her life from a very early age, model and singer turned author Kaila Yu. A cultural icon during the Azn Pride days of import cars, Nautica jackets, and tricked out html web pages, Kaila made an undeniable mark on the blossoming Asian American identity as one of the hottest Asian "it" girls. Throughout her young career and private life, she'd endure some of the most heart-breaking and challenging experiences while pursuing a career in entertainment and validation from a confusing and toxic world. In one of First Of All's final episodes, Minji and Kaila dive into Kaila's new memoir Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty. In it she unpacks her deeply insightful perspectives on power, desire, and the violent grip of the patriarchy. They talk about the narcissistic unraveling happening in real time, how harmful sexualization traps us, and what it means to reclaim our bodies, our stories, and our agency. Together they also reminisce on their formative years, celebrating girlhood while also reflecting on family dynamics, mass marketing, and cultural trends that shaped their sense of self. This episode reminds us that vulnerability is resistance. Prepare for a conversation that's as intellectually sharp as it is soul-expanding as we take back a narrative to be rewritten by us.Follow Our Guest Kaila Yu:Instagram (@kailayu)Order Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and BeautyFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Subscribe to Minji's new meditation & voice note YouTube!OK Breathe - YouTube▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

What does it take to make a dream, reality? Any goal, any vision can be daunting when you're at the very beginning. Uneducated, inexperienced, overwhelmed...it's hard to identify or even decide what's the best place to start. And even when you do decide, getting the ball rolling and finally taking the proverbial leap is its own major feat. In one of the final conversations here on First Of All, Minji sits down with her friend, journalist Ada Tseng, to discuss the rigors of making it in in the entertainment biz as Ada prepares to release her first book, Breaking Into New Hollywood. After years of interviewing and investigating the less glamorous parts of the industry, Ada finally shares priceless insights on exactly how it takes a talented, persistent, crafty, and determined village to make magic exist on-screen...or really anywhere. And rather poetically, they reflect on Ada's pivotal role in encouraging Minji to start this very podcast 8 years ago, when AAPI podcasts and/or culture podcasts hosted by women of color were scarce and the road was unpaved and unknown. As Minji heads off into unknown territory once again as a filmmaker, actor, and content creator it's truly a full circle moment. One that hopefully inspires all the dreamers out there to keep taking risks and have fun learning as they do the work to bring their dreams into reality.Follow Our Guest Ada Tseng:Instagram (@adatseng88)Order Breaking Into the New HollywoodFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

We show up to work, to relationships, to passion projects and hobbies in various phases of our lives and do the best we can, never knowing if and how we may be changing the world around us. For director Andrew Ahn, he's never endeavored to change minds or hearts doing what he loves most (and is also really good at), which is telling funny, vulnerable, heartwarming stories through film. He simply identifies his creative north star(s), focuses on who he's doing it all for, and does his best to share something honest and relatable. In doing so, he's made a tremendous cultural impact, and his flourishing directing career - from his early works Dol and Spa Night to Driveways, Fire Island, Shonda's Bridgerton and now the heartwarming and hilarious modern remake of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet - are a direct result of that. In this episode, Minji sits down with her dear friend to recall the origins of his journey as well as the new challenges of maintaining authenticity in the midst of a demanding industry and diverse audience. They talk about how to be honest with yourself, and how real life lessons unfold within and parallel to the work. Follow Our Guest Andrew Ahn:Instagram (@andrewahnfilms)Watch The Wedding BanquetFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Love is a many splendored thing. Also...is love in the room with us right now when it comes to modern dating? When it comes to finding a special someone who can respond to texts in a timely manner, follow through or even initiate plans ahead of time, have basic manners, practice decent hygiene, maintain healthy boundaries with exes, ask a thoughtful question or two, be nice to your friends, & remember your birthday, amongst many other seemingly basic things... it can all feel, well, friggin impossible these days. In this episode, Minji sits down with returning guests and dating experts Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu to investigate the agony and joy of finding/receiving/manifesting love in an era that's fraught with burnout and disillusionment. How are we all actually doing? What are the blind spots to address and healthier ways to approach this journey? Is it worth it? Julie and Yue share insights that have been deeply researched and assembled beautifully in their new book How To Be Dateable, with some very personal reflections from our hosts. Let's all hold hands, take a cleansing breath, and get focused (and a little vulnerable) with this thing called love. Happy Valentine's Day, FOA fam. <3 Follow Our Guests Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu:Instagram (@dateablepodcast)Get the How To Be Dateable book NOW at:https://www.dateablepodcast.com/bookFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Bluesky (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

What a year January 2025 has been. WHAT. A. YEAR. If you're one of the many humans trying calmly (or desperately) to navigate the new normal in (yet again) unprecedented times... you are so not alone. Not by any means. In this episode, Minji unloads her heart and mind on the state of the world, and the good ol' U S of A more specifically. She acknowledges that these challenging times are not for the faint of heart, and that one way or another we all must decide to step up the plate with courage, clarity, empathy and fight.

We're nearing the finish line for one of the most highly anticipated, highly stressful, highly impactful elections of our lifetimes. While we'd all felt we'd been through the worst of it in 2016 and then again in 2020, the unprecedented times have continued on...and on...and on. In the midst of all the division and angst, extremely important conversations have emerged - many that fortunately and unfortunately won't go away after this coming Tuesday passes. We have tough questions to answer, like how much of a difference we can/do actually make, what's working well and depressingly broken in the systems around us, who can we trust, and what can we do about feeling so hopeless nowadays (just to rattle off a few)? In this episode, Minji sits down to get grounded and educated by Nancy Yap, the hardworking and dedicated executive director of CAUSE, a 501(c)(3) with a mission to advance the civic and political empowerment of the API community. Nancy comes from a very humble background of little to no political interest, and now dedicates her career to advancing civic engagement, persisting vocally in her stance that we CAN and ARE making a difference. How??? Together they discuss the implications of actually showing up, the importance of community, the psychological wear and tear of our current culture, and ways to keep our eyes on what matter most in leadership, accountability, and real actual CHANGE. For those of you on the fence or simply worn out, this is for you. This is also for those warriors who haven't given up and just need a refuel in this final stretch of a critical moment in history. Stay the course & everyone MAKE SURE TO VOTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH!! Follow Our Guest Nancy Yap at:Instagram (@causeusa)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Climate change is a topic that brings up existential dread in so many of us, it can overwhelm us, fill us with dread, and/or incite anger and feelings of hopelessness. It feels like an impossible problem to solve. In this episode, Minji sits down with filmmakers Danny O'Malley and Alex Rivest, co-directors of the film Canary, a look into the life of a real life superhero - glacier and climate scientist Lonnie Thompson. Lonnie has spent the past several decades of his life venturing into some of the scariest, coldest, most remote parts of our earth to gather data that has educated the world's science community on the existence and acceleration of climate change. While politics and societal chaos have taken over the facts and solutions available to leaders, there is still power within the hands of humankind ourselves. Together they unpack the journey to make the film itself and a recognition of Lonnie's legacy as a reminder that the most impossible feats are achievable with persistence, determination, luck, and faith. Follow Our Guests Danny O'Malley and Alex Rivest:Instagram (@dannyomalley.film)Instagram (@rivest)CANARY (film link) - Minji will sponsor the first 20 people to watch Canary; send proof of your rental to firstofallpod@gmail.com Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Female relationships can be insanely fulfilling...and also complicated... and sometimes downright traumatic. At some point or another, many of us humans have encountered one (or many) a mean girl. In this episode, Minji sits down with returning guest Priska - singer/songwriter and one half of the Two Horny Goats Podcast - to unpack the trials, tribulations, and lessons from dealing with layered female relationships, including friends, frenemies, bullies, family members, and more. The conversation is kicked off by the controversy surrounding Blake Lively and the questionable marketing and events surrounding the film "It Ends With Us". They dive deep into some difficult personal experiences and the impact its had as they figure out how to develop healthier relationships with themselves and other women. Trigger warning: discussions around DV abuseResources for those experiencing and/or recovering from DV mentioned in the closing of this episode:No More: NO MORE is a groundbreaking, global initiative comprised of the largest coalition of nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, media, schools, and individuals addressing domestic and sexual violence. Visit their website at: www.nomore.org. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: A 24/7 confidential service that provides support, resources, and information for those experiencing domestic violence. You can reach them at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at www.thehotline.org.Futures Without Violence: An organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. They provide resources for both survivors and those looking to support the cause. Learn more at www.futureswithoutviolence.org.Follow Our Guest Priscilla Liang-Kim aka Priska:Instagram (@priskamusik)twohornygoats.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "How Will I Know" cover by Priska▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

We’re back baby! In this solo episode, our tired but determined host Minji returns to breathe some life back into First Of All and back into herself. Celebrating another trip around the sun for both podcast and host, this milestone brings in new reflections on aging, filmmaking, friendship, authenticity & (of course) the chaotic state of the world. This one goes out to everyone holding onto hope with everything we’ve got. Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Our theme song is "Uzutrap" by UzuhanFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Hey FOA fam! It's been a hot minute but Minji comes back to close out an insane year of ups and downs, and some big wins and losses. Did anyone else live their best and worst year ever at the same exact time??? In a moment of exhausted reflection and hopeful encouragement, Minji sends you all a ginormous hug in her "wearing a giant hoodie (with the hoodie yanked 90% closed of course) on a comfy couch with a giant mug of tea" energy. Thank you and adios 2023.

Hi First of All listeners! While we wait for the next season of the podcast, we wanted to share something cool with you all. Please enjoy the first episode of the new hit podcast, Dear Alana, from our partners at Tenderfoot TV.Dear Alana, is a show exploring the life of Alana Chen, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. Alana left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, love of fashion, and dream of becoming a nun. She also harbored a secret. At 14, she confessed to her priest that she was attracted to women and was instructed not to tell her parents. Over the next seven years, Alana covertly received conversion therapy which her family believes played a role in her fate.----Part 1: MomSimon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

Asking for a friend - does anyone else feeling like just giving up and becoming a potato lately? Because same. In this episode, Minji closes out SEASON 4 and celebrates a beautiful milestone for 6 YEARS OF First Of All Podcast by processing her most recent super fun existential crisis with her dear friend am, the amazing dancer, entrepreneur, and soulful spirit Ben Chung. With the Hollywood strikes, rapid AI development, climate change doom, plus oodles of personal ups & downs, Minji finds herself a bit worn out (again). Ben shares his signature good vibes and deep philosophies that he's cultivated through his prolific creative work and faith. We're blessed with some crazy inspiring stories from Ben's journey of America's Dance Crew and thoughts on how to navigate a rapidly changing world. They chop it up about change, rejection, and practicing how to be present with profound gratitude in the most uncertain of times. Yes, even in this economy. Follow Our Guest Ben Chung:Instagram (@btek_benchung)Twitter (@btek_benchung)kinjaz.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Close to the Edge" by Fulton Lee▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

There are few things more satisfying than taking an idea and turning it into a reality. Some call that manifesting (ahem, like Minji) and some call it just taking simple actions to achieve a goal. Potato, po-tah-to. Whatever you call it, there's SO much that gets in the way, all the imposter syndrome (bleh), the self-sabotage (ugh), the literal years of procrastinating (yeesh), legit life/time/money challenges, and so on and so forth. In this episode, Minji celebrates the creation of her first COMPLETED short film "HONESTLY" that she wrote and starred in with the film's director and her beloved homie Scott Sayasithsena. Together they share what they can about their tiny film project sans spoilers - the idea, the genesis of the collab, the internal hurdles, the logistical nightmares, and the incredible reception they received premiering the short at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in May 2023 alongside some stellar filmmakers. It's one tiny gigantic step that might've taken a long *** time to take, but it's 100% worth commemorating to remind us every path is unique, be kind to yourself, and to keep on keeping on. Follow Our Guest Scott Sayasithsena:Instagram (@scottsayasithsena)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap"▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

In the very wise words of our goddess Aaliyah (RIP) - If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. In theory (and in lyrics/beats that slap thanks to the GOAT Timbaland), it's amazing. In practice, it's pretty freakin' hard. To chase dreams, to pursue life goals, to endeavor the seemingly impossible...in this day and age...in this economy...let's be real, it's easier to just stay in bed and not even try at all. But for better or worse, we push on. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend and talented rapper Trus Real to talk about his eye-opening journey pursuing, and giving up, a career in music. From playing a little too much to then hustling hard and giving rapping his all to basically giving up everything only to be brought back to it in the most unexpected of ways...as a TikTok creator making "news that rhyme", the path has been tough. Trus and Minji explore the many convoluted ways they've actualized a life that's fulfilling and (hopefully) pays all the bills. They talk about making hard choices, giving up control, taking radical responsibility, and getting scrappy with their creativity to live more authentically and wisely. Follow Our Guest Trus Real:Instagram (@trus_real)patreon.com/trusrealFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “Slow Down” by Trus Real▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

In this solo episode, Minji shares a personal story about unintentionally being a total a-hole, letting down one of her best friends, spiraling, prolonging the awkwardness (as one does), making it worse, freaking out a bit more, and then finally taking steps to make it right again. As universal and commonplace as these mistakes and rifts can be, there's a lot going on underneath it all - self-sabotaging, people-pleasing, being a teeny bit narcissistic/lazy/careless, and/or going into overwhelm trying to keep all our plates spinning at once and just sucking at it. These pain points and blips can lead to larger, more lasting patterns in lives as they pile up unaddressed. Maybe it's time we forget "time heals all wounds", and realize healing heals all wounds. So how can we start addressing that big nasty pile, one thing at a time, to clean house and get right within ourselves? Minji shares her thoughts (and strategies!) after releasing a TON of emotional baggage that has led to some pretty amazing changes in her life. Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" ▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Let's talk about sex! Because despite our global society's obsession with it, we're still frighteningly undereducated about it. While more conversations and information on sexuality are shared much more openly due to social media content and online resources, longstanding attitudes and deeply rooted cultural beliefs can take a lot longer for a person to become open to learn. Some of us have been trained to fear sex, some have been shamed to explore their curiosity, some have been traumatized, and some have been convinced there's nothing important for them to know about themselves or anyone else, and some have just had no access to learning, period. So yeah.. we're still unpacking A LOT. In this episode, Minji sits down with Anne Hodder-Shipp, an award-winning certified sex and relationship educator dedicated to providing accurate, expansive, and compassionate care. Together they talk about their very different upbringings and how everything from school, religion, parents, and communities influenced their understanding of sex from the biological to moral and intimacy facets. Anne shares some of the common misinformation that's creating barriers to having a healthy relationship within ourselves, and of course with others. Pleasure, boundaries, consent, mechanics - we are still just getting started in normalizing these conversations. Hopefully this one will be another to encourage more compassion, respect, curiosity and openness to get smart about what's going on inside our minds and others.Follow Our Guest Anne Hodder-Shipp:Instagram (@theannehodder)https://annehoddershipp.com/https://everyonedeservessexed.com/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “Red Ferrari” by Samica▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

As Minji has created this space and inadvertently shared a lot about herself over the course of First Of All's 180+ episodes, she's changed quite a bit. Grown on a good day, unraveled on a bad one. And one thing that she has intentionally confronted in 2023 is to not only make space for others but how take it up herself. In this episode we get a little one-on-one friendship time with Two Horny Goats co-host and beloved soul sister Priska Liang-Kim to find out more about our FOA host as she's in the "guest" hot seat on her own show for the very first time. Follow Our Guest Priska:Instagram (@priskamusik)twohornygoats.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “High Risk Travel (Priska & Aberbeats cover)” by Priska▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

A lot of good can come out of striving for excellence - a high standard of quality, valuable skillsets and smarts, plus amazingly positive contributions to self and society. It can also have a dark side in the form of all-consuming and suffocating perfectionism - an existence where there's no room for error or subpar...well, anything. Every flaw, every "mistake" is irreparable or at the very least, a lasting source of guilt and shame. So many people are familiar with this kind of pressure, and some of the MOST familiar with this insane demand are Asian/Asian American women. In this episode, Minji sits down with Adele Lim, Malaysian American film and tv producer and writer, who is now the new director of the upcoming (and very raunchy) Asian American female-led comedy Joy Ride. Together they dive into Adele's upbringing in Malaysia through her journey in Tinseltown, struggling to defend facets of herself, and other women like her, that weren't always welcomed or valued in her home, community, or industry. They blow off steam on how oppressive and straight up boring it is to be perfect all day everyday. They also reinforce how giving ourselves permission to be human beings who do occasionally make mistakes and imperfect, loud, opinionated, sloppy, unruly, questionable choices is liberating AF, mentally healthy, and...OK. We can love ourselves at our best and our worst! Follow Our Guest Adele Lim:Instagram (@adeleblim)Twitter (@adeleblim)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “omg” by Gloria Kim▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

For APAHM, we're highlighting some of our fellow Asian American podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective, so we're dropping in an episode from our sister show, Modern Minorities, a podcast featuring minority voices for ALL of our majority ears - Modern Minorities is trying to solve racism...one conversation at a time. Their co-hosts Sharon and Raman might be Asian American pals, but their guests go much wider to the entire American experience. You can learn more at modmypod.com, and subscribe wherever you get your favorite podcasts. ---“Filipinos love spam — but wherever you look in American history, I found how little I knew.”Gabrielle Berbey is a documentary audio producer and filmmaker who's done work with the Atlantic and WNYC / NPR. She's actually one of the hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast “The Experiment” by the Atlantic. Gabby recently released a three-part mini series talking about SPAM - beyond her personal Filipino family experience - going beyond the immigrant experience to American labor, the changing middle class, and the next generation of immigrant Americans. You’ll love this candid conversation about how Gabby’s mixed ethnic experience infom her curiosity as a journalist.LEARN ABOUT GABBYinstagram.com/gabriellejberbeytwitter.com/gabrielleberbeyairmedia.org/community/spotlight/gabrielle-berbeytheatlantic.com/podcasts/experiment/spam/MENTIONSBOOK:  The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race (Anthony Christian Ocampo) - goodreads.com/book/show/28162897-the-latinos-of-asiaTV: PENN15 (Hulu) -imdb.com/title/tt8324422/PERSON: Hanna Errant - wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Arendt

You know how they say live your life to the fullest and every day as if it's your last? And you know how most of us think "Oh that's nice, I should do that. I will do that."...and then, even with the BEST of intentions, we just don't? (No judgment here, it's a super normal part of life.) Let's face it, it's so easy to stay in autopilot - chasing goals, maybe taking some important relationships for granted, & doing the most even if it's not particularly (or at all) fulfilling. In this episode, Minji sits down with highly decorated chef Viet Pham, whose resume as a chef is one that blows your mind - high end restauranteur, Iron Chef winner, defeating Bobby Flay (twice, mmkay), competing on tv shows, creating an incredible chicken sandwich that's quickly taking over Utah. And of course not to mention an amazingly beautiful and loving wife. But like all those with pretty highlight reels, Viet has gone through a LOT personally to experience this fulfilling life, and has overcome a LOT even in the midst of it. In this very personal conversation, Viet opens about facing health scares including a rare cancer that has further expanded his daily approach to life, love, and work. He shares the fears and attitude shifts he's faced as he is afforded new perspectives and a commitment to health and well-being. Follow Our Guest Viet Pham:Instagram (@chefvietpham)prettybirdchicken.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “I’ll Be There” by Nina Sung▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim (@daeunkm)Social Media Manager @JulianaDeer