Yin & Young Podcast EP 73: Paul Hoi #2 - Japan Stories, Skiing, Solo Traveling

After a long hiatus, Yin & Young are back with Paul Hoi, the sequel! Paul is a on a year-long sabbatical traveling the world and has spent the past few months traveling Japan. Earlier this year, James had the privilege of meeting up with him in Tokyo and we got to catch up about his travels, his new passions like skiing and scuba diving, and the reality of solo traveling. Apologies for the poor audio, especially for my mic, this was our first time trying an outdoor recording. Did our best to correct it in post, so hopefully it’s listenable!

Catch our 1st interview with Paul here: https://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/2021/4/19/yin-and-young-ep56-paul-hoi

Paul Hoi’s photography and other works: https://linktr.ee/paul_hoi

Highlights:

00:01:05 Introductions & Overview: meeting up in Japan, visited Junji Ito exhibit.

00:03:53 What brought Paul to Japan. Been finding new loves: scuba diving, skiing, riding around on a moped.

00:07:27 Transitioning from working in a high stress environment to solo traveling.

00:10:08 Each of us talk about our different experiences visiting Japan and feelings about travel.

00:17:04 Driving in Japan.

00:20:02 Dan shares his experience traveling to Sasebo in Kyushu.

00:23:22 The reality of traveling: dealing w/ loneliness, language barriers, anxiety, addiction to solitude, feeling like an outsider.

00:32:33 Making friends in Japan. Dan shares Japan stories of ghost hunting, shooting fireworks, and drifting (Initial D).

00:37:41 Old-school Japan (Showa Era). See CORRECTIONS below.

00:40:20 Paul’s interests have been his north stars for traveling. Shares his story of falling in love with skiing and the differences between American and Japanese skiing.

00:48:10 The need for physical expression. Short cut to the Presence. Wordlessness.

01:00:13 Dan shares stories about what physical activities his kids enjoy doing.

Language corner (01:02:23): Japanese

蟻 - ari - ants. James Shares a story about Japanese school children walking to school in an orderly fashion like ants.

おじゃまします - Ojamashimasu - thank you for having me. Lit. sorry for being a hinderance.

亀 - kame - turtle. The basis for Goku’s finishing attack, Kamehamaha, which is also the name of a Hawaiian king.

迷惑 - meiwaku - to be troubled or bothered (by). Japanese culture emphasizes that one should not be a nuisance (meiwaku).

お待たせしました - Omatase shimashita - sorry to have kept you waiting

What you’re doing to stay balanced/present (01:11:54):

James: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Paul: Art, skiing, scuba diving

Dan: Surfing, Kung Fu

———

CORRECTIONS:

00:37:41 James incorrectly claims that 1992/93, when Dan was in Japan, was the Showa Era but actually that era was the Heisei Era (1989~2019) in Japan. The Showa Era was 1926~1989.

00:38:27 Dan and James mix up the dates about the Showa Era. The Showa Era was 1926~1989, and is generally divided into pre-war Showa Era (1926~1945), and post-war Showa Era (1945~1989).

———

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Yin & Young Podcast EP 72 : William Gee Wong - Author of "Sons of Chinatown"

William Gee Wong (Bill) is a prominent figure in the realm of Chinese-American journalism and literature, recognized for his insightful contributions to the understanding of Asian American experiences. Born and raised in Oakland Chinatown in California, Bill's work often reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the diverse cultural landscape of his upbringing. Bill's narratives provide a vital perspective on the Asian American community's struggles and triumphs. Bill’s most recent endeavor is a memoir chronicling his own family’s immigration story as well as his life and career. Bill shares deep, personal insight into the Chinese American immigration experience during the early 20th century, the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and it’s impact on American society.

Bill’s website: https://www.williamgeewong.com/

Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction to William Gee Wong (Bill) and his recent memoir, “Sons of Chinatown.”

• 03:40 Bill’s father, mother, and sisters’ migration story.

• 11:02 Angel Island and the paper sons, paper marriage scheme.

• 16:23 Bill’s father’s “altercation” with his paper brother over losing money in the lottery business.

• 22:20 Bill’s father and mother really wanted a son. Some favoritism for sons.

• 25:47 We share our connections to the Bay Area. Bill’s “Chinatown bubble.”

• 33:05 Cultural separation from Hoishan-wa and his father. A connection to the Chinatown mindset.

• 36:40 Chinatown Tongs

• 45:50 Los Angeles Tong/Benevolent Association.

• 49:00 Bill’s identity search as he moved from Chinatown to bigger, whiter America and navigating these spaces in the journalism world.

• 01:00:57 Returns to writing and starts a weekly column highlighting Asian American issues at the Oakland Tribune.

• 01:05:12 What does it mean to be Asian American? Bill highlights the many different groups and histories this label encompasses.

• 01:16:50 James shares stories about being asked about his identity.

• 01:20:25 Dan shares his thoughts on the “Asian American” label and Hollywood casting.

• 01:22:30 Bill’s conversation with his son when they visited Bill’s father’s ancestral home (spoiler alert for those who plan to read the book).

• 01:30:40 Angel Island is depicted in Berkeley Rep’s: Far Country.

01:33:00 What do you to stay balanced?

• Walk around the neighborhood.

• Weightlifting.

01:36:00 Language corner:

• Taiwanese Hokkien (Reference: Mandarin and Taiwanese dictionary: iTaigi)

  • 免客氣 mián kheeh-khì  - You’re welcome. (lit. Don’t be so polite).

  • 緣投 iân-tâu - handsome, good looks.

  • 無共款 bô-kāng-khuán - not the same, different

• Hoishan-wa/Taishanese

  • 哎呀/哎吔 aiya - oh my god!

• Japanese

  • おもろい omoroi - interesting [in the Kansai dialect].

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Email: yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com

Yin & Young Podcast EP 71 Aileen Cho - Intergenerational Trauma, Marriage, and Healing

We’re so happy to have Aileen Cho, a licensed therapist based in the Southern California area, as our guest this episode! Aileen is a 2nd generation Korean-American clinician that offers psychotherapeutic services in both English and Korean. In this podcast (a first for Aileen) she shares her personal and professional insight into intergenerational trauma, marriage challenges, and the various ways she helps individuals to find their own way to heal.

Aileen’s website: https://www.aileenbcho.com/

Contact Aileen (currently not accepting new clients until Sept. 2024): aileen@aileenbcho.com

Highlights:

• 00:00 James gives a brief intro of Aileen. They met at the Asian American Theater Festival at UCSD.

• 01:45 We do a check-in. Aileen is very pregnant.

• 04:25 Born in LA, her mother's family were North Korean refugees and shares a story about her paternal grandfather who was sold as a child slave to a Japanese family.

• 07:00 Discusses how she was born into intergenerational trauma due to her family’s history. She is the keeper of stories for her family.

• 09:45 Started off in acting and theater in college, while also going to therapy.

• 11:25 After college: Her shift to the mental health field and eventually getting her Master’s in Drama Therapy.

• 12:40 Intergenerational trauma:

  • Separation of North and South Korea.

  • The way we rear children is influenced by our own trauma.

• 16:00 Advice to young people deciding about whether to go to therapy.

• 20:20 How were your first steps into therapy?

• 23:11 Finds that Korean American therapists are rare in her field and overall there’s a dearth of Asian American therapists.

• 25:25 More Asian Americans are going into clinical practice as well as seeking therapy. Most of her clients are now Asian Americans.

• 28:27 Mental health issues particular to Asian Americans.

• 31:55 Aileen’s Time Capsule Theory in regards to immigrants and the children of immigrants.

• 36:10 How to get boomer parents into family therapy.

• 37:35 How has being a therapist and going to therapy affected your own relationships?

• 40:50 Challenges with married life.

• 48:05 Communication issues with couples.

• 49:50 In the current social climate, the pressures of expectations of marriage has never been higher. Recommends Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel.

• 57:27 Collective grief and drama therapy.

What do you to stay balanced? (59:40)

Language corner （01:02:27):

• Circumstances that bring people meant for each other together; destiny; connection.

  • Mandarin: 緣分 (yuánfèn)

  • Korean: 인연 (inyeon)

• Empathy*

  • Korean: 공감 (gong-gam). From the hanja 共感, gung6gam2 in Cantonese, gònggǎn in Mandarin.

  *Aileen shares that the word “empathy” comes from the Greek words “in” (em) and “feeling” (pathos). Compare this to Korean, empathy = 공감, which is “communal" (공/共) + “feeling” (감/感). Shows individualistic vs collectivist cultural differences in the languages.

01:09:17 Aileen and her husband have inherited her mom’s secret kimchi recipe.

———

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Email: yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com

Yin & Young Podcast EP 70 - Writer Peter Kageyama returns with MIDNIGHT CLIMAX

Writer Peter Kageyama joins Yin & Young again to talk about MIDNIGHT CLIMAX the second novel of the Kats Takemoto series. Peter joined us last time (EP 66) discussing HUNTERS POINT the first Kats Takemoto novel and in this book we delve more into Kats wartime past, Chinatown gangs, and secret government mind control experiments. Peter shares insight into the writing process of this novel and what is important to him as a writer.

Highlights:

- 00:11 Intro: photo of Peter’s dad by Dorothea Lange and Feodor Chin is the voice actor for Peter’s novels.

- 03:35 Reintroducing Peter and his first novel Hunters Point which podcasted about a year ago.

- 07:00 Yokohama is one of Dan's favorite places and Peter’s family origins are from the area.

- 07:55 Midnight Climax is Peter's latest book. Promoting a book runs contrary to the writing process.

- 10:00 Peter’s process for writing. Peter has places where he feels comfortable writing.

- 11:45 Thoughts on “writer’s block.” Writing the 3rd book has been more challenging.

- 15:40 In the process of moving in Florida.

- 17:00 “No-No Boy” by John Okada as testament to conscientious dissent.

- 19:20 Kats is not anti-government, but he doesn’t like bullies.

- 21:45 Officer Blackstone in the book is a real person and Kats is drawn to other principled characters like him.

- 23:13 How to write about historical figures. Peter connected with a relative of Shig Murao via Instagram.

- 26:54 Fell in love with the characters. Researched PTSD to flesh out the characters better.

- 30:05 Tours of Chinatown helped inspire the writings of the place in the book.

- 32:00 Learning about languages for the book. Utilized Wikipedia for some different terms of the time. Distinctions between Mandarin & Cantonese.

- 36:00 How to write about ethnic characters without playing into stereotypes, particularly the Chinese prostitute character.

- 42:17 The guys talk about why they started studying martial arts

- 46:20 Peter discusses the CIA experiments of the 1960s

- 51:10 Themes of love and friendship.

- 52:57 Dorothea Lange’s picture of Peter’s father who was an inspiration for Kats.

- 57:58 Discussion of sports leagues that came from internment camps. Repercussions of Japanese internment.

- 01:05:25 Staying balanced: Board games and exercise.

Language corner (01:17:20)

Cantonese

• 鬼婆 gwei po - devil old lady. Derogatory term for white women.

• 鬼佬 gwei lo - foreigner

Scottish

• Hurkle-durkle - to lay about in bed long after the time to get up.

Mandarin

• 舊金山 - jiùjīnshān - literally: old gold mountain which means San Francisco.

Peter Kageyama’s links:

• Website: https://peterkageyama.com/

• Peter’s non-fiction work on urban planning and communities: https://www.fortheloveofcities.com

Other links:

• Peter’s 1st appearance on the Yin & Young Podcast EP66 discussing HUNTERS POINT - https://youtu.be/el10M-hBdVI?si=2bKzcRffOm2CDhdW

• Feodor Chin returns to voice MIDNIGHT CLIMAX - https://peterkageyama.com/audiobook-now-available-feodor-chin-returns/

• Our podcast with Feodor: https://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/2017/12/3/yin-young-ep24-feodor-chin

• San Francisco City Guides - https://sfcityguides.org/

• Thai artist featured on Peter’s wall, Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong: https://tonyeitharong.com/

———

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Yin & Young Podcast EP 69 Daniel Tong - Editor: Finding your place in film and pursuing your passion

Welcome back Yin & Young listeners! It’s been a long time since our last episode; Young was busy with his wedding (congrats!) but now that’s done, we’re happy to be back with guest Daniel Tong! Daniel is an editor based in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. Daniel has a passion for editing and shares his journey finding his place in the filmmaking industry.

Highlights:

• 01:56 Young ran into Daniel at a high school reunion.

• 05:50 Daniel’s family is ethnically Chinese from Burma.

• 07:15 Shares the start of his love for movies and the arts.

• 10:04 Young and Daniel rehash one of their early film projects in high school for French class (Godzilla appears).

• 12:07 Shares the initial push back he got from his immigrant parents about wanting to pursue filmmaking. 

• 14:10 His start in film as an undergrad and then grad school.

• 21:55 Discusses his thoughts on film school and how he found his place in film there.

• 28:30 The importance of networking.

• 32:30 Gives insight into working at Pixar as a contractor.

• 42:40 Becoming a Pixar Online Editor during the pandemic.

• 44:30 The difference between an online and a offline editor.

• 47:40 Issues using different editing programs in the workflow.

• 52:20 Daniel's preferred editing application and the benefits/drawbacks of each of them.

• 57:04 Editing in the gaming industry.

• 01:01:00 His desire for leadership experience and his first leadership role at Blizzard.

• 01:02:50 Getting through the Blizzard interviews having not played the games, but now obsessed with them (World of Warcraft, Diablo, etc…).

• 01:05:40 His experience working on the documentaries for “Coco” and “Turning Red” and why he connected with them deeply.

• 01:13:49 Yin’s plans for his kids going to college.

• 01:14:43 Discussion about famous editor Walter Murch’s book “In a Blink of an Eye” and Daniel’s own approach to editing and assistant editing.

• 01:28:29 Language corner (see below). We also go over the origin of KFC popularity in Japan during Christmas and chat about Del Taco ramen and Donald Glover’s boba shop.

• 01:34:01 Projects that Daniel is working on (see below for links).

• 01:35:23 Shout outs. Pursue your passion.

Language corner: 

• Young - KFC is "Kenta” (ケンタ) for short in Japanese.

• Yin - 

• 渋滞 (じゅうたい juutai) - traffic jam

• 残業 (ざんぎょう zangyo) - overtime

Daniel Tong’s links:

• Website: https://danieltongeditor.weebly.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieltongeditor

Recent and current projects Daniel Tong has edited/assistant edited on:

• No Room For Love - Filipino American web series, https://www.instagram.com/noroom_forlove

• Creature Comforter - a short horror comedy mockumentary, https://www.instagram.com/bravemakerorg

• Release the Beast by Ryzo Studios -  An artistic but timid boy who learns to defend himself against bullies from the characters he creates for his video games. https://www.ryzo.studio/

• Junho - a former theater actor from Korea tries to outrun his past: https://youtu.be/FShHTubEpkI?si=3SfXAK01tab4-h0_

• “Always in My Head” - music video by Filipino American music artist Garth Garcia: https://youtu.be/nv7fuOCBX_k

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Yin & Young Podcast EP 68 - Married Life, Cooking, Regret and Time

In this episode Dan (Yin) and James (Young) share their experiences with married life. Dan gives his perspective as someone who has been married longer and also has children. In contrast, James, who’s newly married, shares some of his feelings transitioning into married life.

Highlights:

• No real major changes for Young after marriage, but there are some nuanced shifts in family dynamics with Young, his parents, and the in-laws

• Compromises to create more quality time with one’s partner, while still managing some time for hobbies.

• Figuring out each other’s palette when cooking.

• Discussion about ramen flavors.

• Adjusting to budgets and spending money as a couple

• Doing martial arts at an older age requires a shift in thought.

• Accepting the valuable experience of living in semi-rural Japan.

• Regrets and the concept of time.

Language corner: Japanese

• 日日是好日 - nichi nichi kore kou jitsu (aslo pronounced: hi bi kore kou jitsu) - every day is a good day, enjoy each day (even the “bad” ones).

• 豚小屋 - buta go ya - pigsty [used to describe a messy room]

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

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Yin & Young Podcast Episode 67 - Kelly Hebestreit - Art, Identity, and Please Take Off Your Shoes

In this episode we had the privilege to chat with Hong Kong-based artist Kelly Hebestreit! Kelly does creative, introspective work in photography, poetry, film, and many other mediums. Her work explores such things as local neighborhoods, cultural identity, and the heartbreak behind someone not taking off their shoes.

Kelly's Website: https://kellyhebestreit.cargo.site/

Kelly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbystripes/

Highlights:

- Kelly and James connected at the Taiwanese American Film Festival back in 2016.

- Held an intimate art installation show, "Satellite," in 2021 and released a related zine.

- Reflections on life in America and an incident with her ex.

- Part of the Zaazaaaa Collective, an art commune in Hong Kong (HK).

- Background: Grew up in HK, father is German, mother is Taiwanese

- Father is in the textile industry.

- Moved back to HK during the pandemic and can appreciate the city after living abroad.

- Enjoyed studying abroad in Tokyo, but mentions why she probably wouldn't live there long term.

- How Osaka people remind her of HK people and why she likes both.

- Shares situations where she's benefitted from white privilege in HK.

Language corner:

- 好八卦 (hou2 baat3-gwaa3) - So nosy! [Cantonese. The bagua is an ancient eight trigram symbol.]

- 唔該 （mm goy） - Thanks! Excuse me. [Cantonese.]

- 多謝 （doh jeh） - Thank you. [Cantonese.]

- 猴囡仔 (kâu-gín-á) - little monkey(s). [Taiwanese. Similar to "little rascals" or "you crazy kids."

- 半斤八兩 (bànjīnbāliǎng) - tweedledee and tweedledum. [Mandarin. Similar to 猴囡仔.]

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

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Yin & Young Episode 66 - Peter Kageyama - Writer

Yin & Young the podcast is back with a new episode with writer Peter Kageyama! Peter is a writer whose latest book, 1950s noir thriller “Hunter’s Point” featuring Asian American lead characters, recently became an Amazon bestseller. In this episode we discuss Peter’s background as a Sansei (third generation Japanese American), his work in non-fiction (For the Love of Cities) and fiction, and much more.

Peter’s website: peterkageyama.com

Peter’s non-fiction work: www.fortheloveofcities.com

Highlights:

• Peter shares a bit of historical background about Hunter’s Point, San Francisco.

• Peter grew up in Akron, Ohio, stood out as one of the few (if not only) mixed race kids in the neighborhood. 

• Is known for his work on urban development and city planning (For the Love of Cities) and is now writing fiction.

• Father was a Nisei (2nd generation Japanese American) who was interned along with his family during World War 2 in the U.S.

• “Hunter’s Point” was written as a kind of conversation with his father. Father was reserved and did not talk about his time in the camps or in the U.S. military.

• Shig Murao, City Lights bookstore manager in the 1950s, plays an important role in the book and in the real world Beat scene.

• How ones parent’s language is lost with each generation.

• More accepting of his mixed race heritage and how this book helped him reconnect with his Japanese heritage.

• Being Japanese vs being Japanese American.

• How rare/taboo it was to see Asian men marry white women during the 1950s.

• Currently writing a sequel to “Hunter’s Point.”

Book Recommendations:

• Peter recommends: Facing the Mountain (Daniel James Brown) about Japanese internment.

• James recommends No-No Boy (John Okada) about a Japanese American that refused to be drafted into the U.S. military.

Language corner:

• 反抗期 - hankouki: rebellious phase

• 恩 - on: obligation (benevolent)

• 義理 - giri: obligation (social, honorable)

• sussy baka: silly stupid (a term kids use when gaming to describe ridiculous behavior). Combines “suspect” with “baka” (馬鹿) which is Japanese for fool.

• 失敗 - shippai: mistake; darn!

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

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Yin & Young Episode 65 - Matty Beavers - Cinematographer

Welcome back to Yin & Young the podcast! In this episode we chat with Matty Beavers! Matty is a cinematographer, filmmaker, YouTuber, vlogger, anime fan, Japanese language learner, and an all around good dude. In this episode we get to hear about Matty’s artistic beginnings and aspirations, his lived experience as an African American and Filipino, and much more.

Matty’s work: https://linktr.ee/mattybeavs

Matty’s Instagram (@mattybeavs): https://www.instagram.com/mattybeavs/

Highlights:

• Matty is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinematography at the University of Southern California (USC).

• Matty met James at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) when he was doing his undergrad in Television Production.

• Grew up in Camarillo and Central Valley, California.

• Family background is African and Filipino. Did not pick up Ilocano (spoken by his Filipino grandparents) growing up, but is currently learning Japanese.

• “I, Robot” kicked off his passion for filmmaking.

• Marvels at the technical aspects of lighting and filming scenes. Also admires Marvel films for their achievement in this area.

• Taking a chance on himself by taking on debt for grad school.

• Has learned so much from his family and their struggles. Applies those life lessons to his own work.

• Completed his thesis project recently as Director of Photography for the film “Go Dani Go.” (@go_dani_go_: www.instagram.com/go_dani_go_). Stills from the film can be seen in this episode's thumbnail.

Language Corner: Japanese

• We all do our best to give a self-introduction (自己紹介 jikoshokai).

• 趣味 (shumi) - hobbies

• 中二病　(chūnibyou) - 8th grader sickness. typically used to describe early teens who have grandiose delusions, believe they have secret powers, etc…(Wikipedia).

———

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Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

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Yin & Young Episode 64 - Mayu Nakamura (中村真夕) - Filmmaker

Thanks for your patience Yin & Young listeners! We’re back after a break to bring you this episode with filmmaker Mayu Nakamura! In this short episode, we were lucky to have a chance to chat with Mayu about her experiences growing up in Japan, studying/working abroad, and what stories she wants to tell as a filmmaker.

Follow Mayu Nakamura’s work here:

• Website: https://mayunakamura.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/missyn510

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayun510/

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Worked in documentaries after graduating with an MFA from New York University.

• Released a recent omnibus feature film called, “She is me, I am her.” 「ワタシの中の彼女」

• James and Mayu met through a mutual filmmaker friend and connected in Japan.

• Grew up in Japan, but went to study abroad at young age in London and eventually the U.S.

• Plans on splitting her time between Japan and the States.

• Believes the Japanese film industry is slowly trying to move towards being more inclusive and promoting diversity.

• Some of the topics she explores in her films are sexism and ageism.

• Movies that she revisits regularly are “Days of Being Wild” 「阿飛正傳」, ”Typhoon Club” 「台風クラブ」, “A Brighter Summer Day” 「牯嶺街少年殺人事件」。

Language corner: Japanese

• オレオレ詐欺 -　ore ore sagi - lit. “It’s me, it’s me!” scam. The scammer, generally a young male, calls a target, generally an elderly person, and pretends to be a distant relative and scams the listener into giving them money. The name, ore ore sagi, refers to how the scammers would generally start the calls with, “It’s me, it’s me!” 「オレ!オレ!」.

———

Follow us on FB & IG: @yinyoungpodcast. Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Questions, comments, sponsors—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young Episode 63 - Sam Sakamoto - Writer, Traveler, Former English Teacher in Japan

Hi Yin & Young listeners! 

Help support this podcast by clicking our sponsor link for Magic Mind, an effective productivity drink, link: magicmind.co/yny.  Enter code YNY20 within 10 days of this podcast release to get up to 40% off a subscription. Afterwards, you can still get you 20% off a one time purchase. Thank you so much to Magic Mind for being Yin & Young’s first sponsor!

In this episode we have the privilege to chat with Sam Sakamoto! Sam is a writer, traveler, rock climber, avid Rams fan, and former English teacher in Japan.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• James and Sam met during social hour in quarantine in Tokyo for an English language teaching program.

• Japanese demeanor still shows up in her family, even though she is 4th generation Japanese American.

• Wanted to go back to Japan to get in touch with her roots.

• Was stationed in Nara, but also spent a lot of time in Kyoto.

• Currently applying to MFA programs and masters in teaching programs.

• When first arriving in Japan, adjusting to day-to-day life took a couple of months. Coworker helped a lot.

• Misses food in Japan: omakase, katsu-don, tsukemen, and much more.

• Rock climbing/bouldering gyms in Japan are way more technical.

• Misses the appreciation of the little things in Japan. For example: holidays and events for changes in the season, the blooming of certain flowers, wind chimes, etc…

Language corner: 

Japanese

• 渋滞 (jyuutai) - traffic jam

• 仕様がない (shouganai) - can't be helped

Mandarin

• 懷才不遇 (huai2cai2bu2yu4) - to have talent but no opportunity

———

Follow us on FB & IG: @yinyoungpodcast. Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Sponsorships, questions, comments—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin and Young Episode 62 - Living in Japan and Other Stories

Hi Yin & Young listeners! In this episode (recorded earlier this year) James adjusts to living in Japan and Dan shares some of his stories. Near the end we discuss martial arts and communication issues based on recent experiences.

Dan also shares his experience trying the productivity drink Magic Mind to help him work better. Our listeners get a special discount! Go to magicmind.co/yny and enter code YNY20 within 10 days of this podcast release (7/31/2022) to get up to 40% off a subscription. Afterwards, you can still get you 20% off a one time purchase. Thank you so much to Magic Mind for being Yin & Young the Podcast’s first sponsor!

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Acclimating to the Japanese workplace and お土産 omiyage (snack) giving culture.

• James shares how he’s learning Japanese.

• Training BJJ in Japan vs the US.

• Japanese food and missing Mexican food.

• Shoes/slipper needed in Japan: outdoor, indoor, gym, school, bathroom

• It’s normal to find and return wallets/money.

• Old and new aspects of Japan.

• Limited number of trash cans; separating trash.

• Dan’s Japan stories: Yokohama, working there as a 19 year old, drifting in the mountains, ghost hunting, Obon festival.

• Taking local trains is fun: slow life.

• Seasonal items at Japanese McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc…

• Making friends: need a local person to show you around.

• Teaching martial arts: Dan gets tested by a parent in LA.

• Cultural/relationship communication: direct vs indirect, adjusting without resenting. The knee jerk response might not be the best.

LANGUAGE CORNER

Japanese

• 便所 - benjo - restroom

• 持ち帰る - mochi kaeru - take-out (food)

• 丼 - donburi - a rice bowl dish

• お好み焼き - okonomiyaki - savory pancake dish

• 長閑 - nodoka - calm, tranquil

• 肝試し - kimodameshi - test of courage

Follow us on FB & IG: @yinyoungpodcast. Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Title photos by James. Left: Rice fields of Tsu. Middle: Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo. Right: The National Art Centre, Tokyo.

Sponsorships, questions, comments—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin and Young EP61 - Geoffrey Oki - Designer, Creator, New Dad

Hi Yin & Young listeners! We’re back finally with a conversation with artist, creative director, and new father Geoffrey Oki!

Follow Geoff Oki:

• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gokid

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gokid/

• Yellow Peril Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/YellowPerilPod/

HIGHLIGHTS:

• James met Geoff at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival years ago and was able to help score him some tickets.

• Geoff was born and raised in Sacramento

• Moved to LA for school, majored in design and worked at different ad agencies as creative director

• Lived in Taiwan for a couple of years in the mid 2010’s for a change of pace.

• Recently lived in Taiwan for a short time and then moved back with his wife and newborn.

• As a college student, it was definitely a big change from Sacramento to LA in terms of the number of Asians.

• Explored his Asian American identity more in LA.

• Helped a friend shoot/co-produce a few movies: Wait For Me, Broken Kingdom.

• Geoff relives how he met his wife in Taiwan.

• What it’s like being a new dad.

• Discussion turns to the Atlanta spa shootings a year ago and anti-Asian attacks earlier this year.

• Thoughts on living in the U.S. vs Taiwan, especially as a new father.

• Geoff likes vintage shirts and has had t-shirt parties in LA Chinatown.
  

LANGUAGE CORNER (01:20:41):

• Taiwanese: 你是佗位的人？ - lí sī tó-ūi ê lâng? - where are you from?

• Japanese:

  • ばかうまい - baka umai - crazy delicious. (I mispronounce it in the podcast)

  • ホーム - hōmu - platform

  • 班長 - hanchō - team leader. The term “head honcho” is often mistakenly referred to as Spanglish but actually comes from Japanese.

• Mandarin:

  • 婊子 - biǎozi - a spiteful woman

  • 馬馬虎虎 - mǎmahūhū - so-so, not so bad, careless

• Korean: 미국 - mi-gug/mi-guk - America, literally “beautiful country” (美國）. “Guk,” which means country, was used as a derogatory term towards Asians after the Korean war.

—

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Please like and comment, it helps others find our work.

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young: 

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/rkrynzq

• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Comments, questions? Would you like to sponsor an episode?? Email us at yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young EP60 - Rama Reddy - Writer, educator, and MMA coach

In this episode we chat with Rama Reddy, a mixed martial arts coach that has trained and taught around the world (US, Taiwan, Brazil, India) and currently lives in Germany. From Rama’s website: “I am a writer and educator based in Berlin, Germany. I believe education is civilization’s most vital tool.”  Recorded early February 2022.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Met James in Taiwan in the mid/late 2000s.

• Born in NY, moved to Houston, then lived in Seattle for most of his formative years.

• Opened an MMA studio in Bangalore, India due to its growing population and his own family’s connection to the area. Lived there 7 years before moving to Germany.

• India can be a tough place to live, particularly for an entrepreneur.

• Discussion on race vs. nationality.

• How he met his wife and what led him to live in Germany.

• Rama traces his martial arts background: wresting, BJJ, boxing. Fighter/coach Eliot Corley helped shape his striking.

• Building a group of dedicated martial arts students.

• Differences in the student-teacher dynamic between the U.S., Germany, India.

• Four Rs: Relevancy, Relationships, Rigor, Results

• How his teaching philosophy has evolved: a focus on relationships.

• Currently working on the Square Ring: a boxing board game: https://www.boxingboardgame.com/
  

LANGUAGE CORNER (01:13:38)

• P.U.F.E.L: Stages of a Takedown by Rama Reddy https://www.instagram.com/p/CYEfStVovXZ/

  • Position: “tie” in wrestling, kumi-kata 組み方 in judo (grip fighting, lit. “assembly method”).

  • Unbalancing: “set-up” in wrestling, kuzushi 崩しin judo

  • Fitting-in: “shot” in wrestling, but tsurikomi 釣込 in judo closer in meaning.

  • Execution: “finish” in wrestling, kake 掛け in judo.

  • Landing: nage 投 in judo (throw).

Rama Reddy’s links

• website: https://www.ramareddy.org

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ramareddy.mma/

• Berlin gym (Deutsch): https://www.ramareddy.org/berlin

• Interview with Robert Drysdale, BJJ Rules: https://youtu.be/3cIcc1tTRBk

—

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Please like and comment, it helps others find our work.

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young: 

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

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Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young EP59 - Michael Newman and James in Japan

Recorded late 2021.

Synopsis: Michael Newman (former TV writer, from episode 12, link below) has moved to Japan. James is also in Japan and at the time was quarantining in a fancy hotel. Today’s podcast focuses on acclimating to living in Japan: convenience store food, toilets, dating, maid cafes, and more.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 6:15 James is in Japan for a teaching program and is quarantining in Tokyo. The rules are less strict than his Taiwan quarantine.

• 12:31 Movie prices in Japan have come down in price compared to the 90s.

• 20:16 Michael's teacher was concerned when they learned that Michael was eating a lot of convenience food, but they doesn't understand how bad the convenience store food is in the US (e.g. 7-11 hot dogs).

• 22:48: Michael Newman shares his reasons for coming to Japan. Is currently taking Japanese classes but does not like online instruction (thanks COVID).

• 33:07 Politeness levels in Japan.

• 40:25 Culture shock?: Michael has acclimated to Japan. He doesn't want to move back to the US because he doesn't want to drive everywhere. Prefers walking.

• 41:12 Discussion of modern Japanese toilets (bidet, seat warmers, etc…) and how they are much better than the US.

• 52.46: What’s dating/socializing like in Japan. Tip: Having a local Japanese friend helps a lot.

• 54:45: Maid cafe/Girl’s bar culture

• 1:11:55 Keeping fit in Japan: walking.

———

LANGUAGE CORNER (1:18:35): Japanese

• お邪魔します- ojamashimasu - Sorry for the intrusion. Lit. I’m being a demon. (present tense), お邪魔しました - ojamashimashita (past tense). Said when arriving or leaving someone’s home as a guest.

• ツンデレ - tsundere - the ice queen who eventually shows her warmer side.

• 絶対領域 - zettai ryōiki - the area of bare skin between over-knee socks and a miniskirt. lit. absolute territory (originally to describe a force field in the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion).

• お先に失礼します - osaki ni shitsureshimasu - sorry for leaving early (used in an office setting).

• 本音と建前 - honne to tatemae - a person’s true feelings vs their public face.

• ゴジラ - Gojira - known as Godzilla outside of Japan, the name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words gorira (ゴリラ, "gorilla") and kujira (クジラ, "whale").

———

• Yin & Young EP 12 - Comedy Writer Michael Newman: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/2017/4/29/yin-young-episode-12-comedy-writer-michael-newman

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode. 

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin.
Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

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Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young EP 58 - Young Leaving Taiwan: Therapy, Career, Taiwanese Pride

Recorded in Tainan, Taiwan summer of 2021, James and Dan chat to discuss updates with James’s life as he prepares to leave Taiwan to head back to the US. James shares some of the relationships and skills he has built during his time in Taiwan, Dan shares updates of the vaccine rollout in the U.S.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• James gives Dan a mini-tour of his room.

• [Audio or FB version only] Dan and James discuss the pandemic and vaccine misinformation [as of August 2021].

• James shares some of his plans after leaving Taiwan.

• They share their experiences with therapy and how important it is to have a therapist that understands your cultural background, values, and the effects of racism.

• Asian American men put a lot of pressure on themselves.

• Discussion about the transition from being single to being in a relationship.

• Dan shares his experiences with career coaching.

• Taiwanese pride and Asian American pride in the Olympics.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode. 

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin.
Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

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• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young EP 57 - Young in Quarantine (Taiwan, Feb 2021)

Recorded February 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan, James (aka Young) shares his experience of what it’s like in a quarantine hotel on the last day of his quarantine. The pandemic situation has changed drastically since the time of recording, with Taiwan now reporting an average of 513 COVID-19 cases for the last week of May 2021, a huge shift from the 1 to 2 cases a day in February. Taiwan is now in stage 3 out of 4 COVID alert, with all public gatherings and indoor restaurant seating cancelled.

Life can change so quickly. Though many of the circumstances referenced in the podcast have changed, it still remains a personal snapshot of what life is like at the time and some of the thoughts going through our heads.

Highlights:

• James goes over the process of traveling to Taiwan during the pandemic: 14 days of quarantine (not including the arrival day), 7 days of “self-management.”

• James and Dan compare and contrast how Taiwan and the U.S. are handling COVID.

• How to distract yourself during quarantine: Attack on Titan.

• What James is looking forward to after quarantine: martial arts, restaurants, dating…

• James shares some of his habits that keep him sane: gratitude journaling, meditation, working out…

• Food is way cheaper in Taiwan, but the cost of living and average income is lower too.

• Quarantine makes you face yourself.

• Having a dream is a beautiful thing, but if you don’t have one, having simple goals are great too.

LANGUAGE CORNER

• F.I.R.E. - financial independence, retire early.

• Mandarin -

  • 隔離 - gélí - quarantine

  • 防疫 - fángyì - epidemic prevention

• Japanese

  • 取りあえず - toriaezu - for now

  • ワクチン - wakuchin - vaccine

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode. 

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin.
Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/rkrynzq

• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young EP 56 - Paul Hoi - Experimental Landscape Photographer and Visual Artist

Consider supporting Yin & Young on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Dan and James are back with an enlightening chat with artist Paul Hoi! Paul shares his background, his artistic passions, and some of his thoughts about being Asian in America.

Highlights:

- Paul Chan by birth, but goes by Paul Hoi so as not to be mistaken for Paul Chan the art critic. 

- Is bad with naming his artwork so sometimes he just numbers them.

- James and Paul met while working at the Apple store. Both did a lot of customer service Mandarin and Cantonese translations, respectively.

- Came to the U.S. as an immigrant child from Hong Kong. As a child, he tried hard not to stand out and sought solitude.

- Parents supportive even in his artistic pursuits. They made it clear to his sister and him growing up that they should not have to worry about money.

- Has done a number of odd jobs: dog walker, property management, art gallery work.

- Working at an art gallery, he realized he disliked the business side of art.

- Learned different techniques from art class, but not a fan of the structured learning of art.

- Began as an illustrator, which eventually led to photography. Is now is branching out into CGI.

- For Paul, the most time consuming part of creating an art piece is conceptualizing what to make.

- Likes to study space, landscapes, shapes in his work. Wants to create places that he wishes exist in real life.

- Discussion about the pathos of Chinatown and how Asians have had to become self-reliant.

LANGUAGE CORNER

Spanish: Copia de seguridad - secure back up

Mandarin:

雲碟 - yún dié - cloud drive

夜景 - yèjǐng - nightscape

Japanese:

アプリ - apuri - applications

七転び八起き - nanakorobi yaoki - Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Follow Paul Hoi at:

https://www.instagram.com/paul_hoi/

https://www.instagram.com/desertfutures/

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode. 

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Edited by Gabriel Toya-Meléndez

Follow Yin & Young: 

- Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast 

- iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/ 

- Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/rkrynzq

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Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode.  

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Edited by Gabriel Toya-Meléndez

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

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Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com.

Yin & Young EP 55 - Lillian So - Transformation Coach

Yin & Young are back with a great conversation with transformation coach Lillian So! Lillian shares her journey of self discovery and eventual path into helping others live their best life.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Lillian So is the daughter of Korean immigrants and grew up in a very ethnically diverse part of Chicago.

• Started career in fitness before moving to current career of helping people transform their lives (Transformation Coach).

• Became self aware at a really young age due to criticisms from relatives and family situation.

• Lillian and Yin & Young check in on where they are in their life right now.

• Lillian discovered at an early age her ability to facilitate others to become the best they can be.

• Chats about her alienation with a specific Christian Korean American community but finding a connection with Koreans in Korea.

• Describes how she has collected a team of mentors/healers/spiritual leaders in her life.

• Discussion shifts to tensions between the black and Asian communities in the U.S. Lillian shares her family’s experience doing business in a predominantly black neighborhood.

• Current projects: writing a couple of books this year.

LINKS - Lillian can be reached directly through her…

• Website: https://meetlillianso.com/

• FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/meetlillianso/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetlillianso/

LANGUAGE CORNER:

Korean: 관상 gwansang - face reading. 사주 saju - Four Pillars of Destiny (Mandarin: 四柱 sìzhù)

Mandarin: 算命 suànmìng - fortune telling.

Japanese: 占い uranai - fortune telling.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode.

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Edited by Gabriel Toya-Meléndez

Consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

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• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com.

Yin & Young EP 54 - Rachel Lo - Struck CEO & Co-Founder

In this episode we chat with the Struck CEO & Co-Founder, Rachel Lo! She shares her journey coming from a secular, technical background to developing an astrology-based dating app. Even if you're an astrology skeptic (like James), there still definitely something to be gained from this discussion.

Rachel's message to skeptics: "Consider why astrology makes you so uncomfortable? Is it really harming you/other people, or is it just that you’re unfamiliar with it? Also: try reading your birth chart and see how it resonates with you!"

HIGHLIGHTS:

-       Rachel grew up in the South Bay of LA and went to UC Berkeley for engineering. - Worked at Apple and other tech companies for a few years

-       Didn't believe in astrology at first, but the inequities in the workforce made Rachel consider that the world isn't concrete and filled with more nuance.

-       Met her co-founder after renting a house in SF with others working at Apple.

-       Struck designed to make experiences more meaningful and fun, it's based off astrological compatibility.

-       Dating apps have a similar playbook for launching apps, but the pandemic disrupted that.

-       Struck was in the Top 10 lifestyle apps in the Apple App Store.

-       James initially hesitant to have Rachel on as a guest due to his skepticism of astrology. - Parents immigrated from Hong Kong and met in NY

-       Struck is rooted in Western astrology (Hellenistic/Greek).

-       Parents were supportive of Rachel starting Struck.

-       Rachel breaks down James's and Dan's astrological chart

-       Had issues with the Apple App Store due to their restrictions on astrology apps.

-       Dating apps were engineered for people to continue to date, i.e. endless swiping. Struck aims to change that.

LINKS:

• Struck: https://www.struckapp.com/

• Struck IG: https://www.instagram.com/struck.app/

• Struck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@struckapp

LANGUAGE CORNER:

Mandarin:

- 相親 - xiāngqīn - blind date

- 紅娘 hóngniáng (lít. red woman) / 媒人 méiren - matchmaker

Cantonese: - 飲茶 - yám chà - Yum Cha, lit. drink tea, traditional Cantonese brunch with tea and dim sum.

Japanese:

- イケ面 - ikemen - good-looking guy

- ギャル - gyaru - slang word for "gal", a Japanese subculture for woman who are tanned, have dyed hair, colored contacts, and other fashion trends.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @yinyoungpodcast. Like and subscribe to our content so you don’t miss an episode.

Credits: This episode was produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin.

Consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Follow Yin & Young:

• Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast

• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

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• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Comments, questions? Email us at yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com.