Asian Pacific Voices Radio

Born in South Korea, raised in Michigan, and currently living in California, Kam Redlawsk is a multi-award-winning disabled Industrial Designer, artist, (rare disease and disability) advocate, traveler, writer, consultant, and speaker. In this episode, Kam shares the challenges associated with a rare degenerative muscle-wasting disorder (GNE Myopathy) and how she has fearlessly navigated her path through art and writing, using creativity as a vehicle for empowerment and expression. As a Korean American adoptee, Kam's designs, including the world's most affordable prosthetic knee joint, embody her unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With over 15 years of advocacy under her belt, Kam is a powerful force in amplifying the voices of the disabled community globally. To further advocacy and awareness, Kam uses her design skills and life experiences on creative projects that elevate and celebrate disability and inclusion in order to educate a society that has very little disability representation. Alongside her advocacy work, Kam is a daydreamer and seeker of inspiration, co-founding Chair Devils with her husband to further her mission of promoting accessibility and representation. She’s currently working on a children’s book inspired by her rare disease

Christy Innouvong Thornton is a dynamic force at the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy. A proud Lao Isan American, Christy's journey is deeply rooted in her unwavering connection to her Southeast Asian heritage. Driven by a profound passion for sharing the rich tapestry of traditions, flavors, and stories from Laos and beyond, she has emerged as a trailblazing cultural entrepreneur. As the visionary founder of Tuk Tuk Box, Christy is on a mission to curate and deliver unique experiences that unravel the essence of Southeast Asian culture. Through Tuk Tuk Box, she invites individuals on an immersive journey of discovery, where they can explore the intricacies of Southeast Asian heritage and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for its diverse cultures. In this episode, Christy delves into her journey, exploring the inspirations behind her cultural entrepreneurship that comes with challenges and sacrifices, as well as the impact of her work on both a local and global scale. Christy's entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by her commitment to bridging cultural gaps and fostering meaningful connections. With a keen eye for authenticity and a heart full of passion, she strives to create spaces where individuals from all walks of life can come together to celebrate and honor the beauty of diversity. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Christy is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and cultural preservation. Her work transcends borders, leaving an indelible impact on both local communities and global audiences alike. Through her tireless dedication and unwavering vision, Christy Innouvong Thornton continues to inspire and uplift, leaving a lasting legacy of cultural enrichment and celebration.

Prasansook "Fawn" Veerasunthorn is a Thai film director and animator. She worked as a storyboard artist on the Disney Animation films Frozen, Moana, and Zootopia and as head of story on Raya and the Last Dragon. Her first feature film was Disney's Wish, in collaboration with Chris Buck. This episode delves into Fawn's transformative journey upon relocating to the US, navigating the hurdles of language barriers and cultural disparities. Despite these challenges, she found solace and purpose in her passion for art, propelling her forward on the path to becoming an animator and director for Disney projects. Fawn Veerasunthorn, born in Chonburi Province, Thailand, found her calling in art from a young age, inspired by the magic of Disney's "Dumbo," particularly the work of Mary Blair. After attending Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok, Fawn pursued medicine at Mahidol University but soon realized her true passion lay in fine arts. Encouraged by animator Paitoon Ratanasiritrawoot, she made the bold decision to move to the United States and study at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Upon graduating in 2004, Fawn embarked on a remarkable journey in the animation industry, working at esteemed studios such as 6 Point Harness, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, and Illumination. Her talent as a story artist shone through in projects like "The Lorax" and "Despicable Me 2." In 2011, Fawn joined Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributing her skills to blockbuster hits like "Frozen," "Moana," and "Zootopia." Her exceptional work led to her promotion as head of Disney's animation department and her pivotal role as head of story on "Raya and the Last Dragon." Fawn's achievements reached new heights when she was appointed as co-director of Disney's upcoming film "Wish," making history as the first Thai artist to helm a Disney animated feature. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized by both Disney and the Government of Thailand, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in animation.

Stephen Oyoung stands as an accomplished actor, motion capture stunt performer, and voiceover artist, whose versatile skills have left an indelible mark across various entertainment mediums. With a career spanning both the silver screen and the dynamic world of gaming, Stephen has continually captivated audiences with his remarkable performances and dedication to his craft. Best known for his compelling portrayal of Martin Li/Mister Negative in the critically acclaimed Spider-Man video game series, Stephen's ability to breathe life into complex characters has garnered widespread acclaim. His performances resonate deeply, thanks to his nuanced understanding of character dynamics and his adept fusion of acting prowess with his background in martial arts. This episode delves into Stephen's journey into acting, highlighting the pivotal role his father played in providing him with invaluable support along the way. Beyond his iconic role in the gaming sphere, Stephen's talent transcends boundaries, as evidenced by his diverse body of work in film and television. From gripping dramas to adrenaline-fueled action films, Stephen consistently delivers performances that are as compelling as they are authentic, earning him a reputation as one of the industry's most sought-after talents. With each new project, Stephen Oyoung continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, captivating audiences with his unparalleled charisma and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, one thing remains abundantly clear: Stephen's talent knows no bounds, and his contributions to the industry are sure to leave a lasting legacy for years to come.

Gajin Fujita is a graffiti artist whose work transcends boundaries and seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of Japanese tradition with the vibrant energy of Western urban culture. In this episode, Fujita talks about his early days as a graffiti artist in tagging crews like KGB and KIIS and his current status as a major star in LA's downtown art scene. He also shares how he blends Japanese techniques and symbols with Western urban pop culture to create visually contrasting masterpieces that transcend space and time. Born in 1972, Gajin Fujita is the son of Japanese parents – a fine art painter father and art conservator mother – who raised him and his brothers in Boyle Heights, a historic immigrant neighborhood just east of Downtown Los Angeles and the L.A. River. As a teenager, Fujita became fascinated with graffiti, joining the tagging crews KGB (Kidz Gone Bad) and KIIS (Kill to Succeed). Through graffiti, Fujita followed his own path towards fine art and received his BA from Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles, and his MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he found mentorship under art critic Dave Hickey. Reverence for Japanese art history and pride for his identity as an L.A. native assert equal importance in Fujita’s work. Lauded by Christopher Knight of the Los Angeles Times as “the most important 21st-century iteration of graffiti’s influence on art,” Fujita’s paintings incorporate graffiti language, traditional iconography drawn from Edo-period woodblock prints, and symbols of West Coast culture.

Pier Nirandara is an award-winning author, travel writer, film producer, and underwater photographer. She began her career as Thailand’s youngest English-writing author of three #1 national bestselling novels, multiple graphic novels, and short stories with over 200,000 copies sold in multiple languages published by Nanmee Books. In this episode, Nirandara talks about her travel experiences growing up in a multicultural environment and traveling to over 70 countries, her inspiration behind writing a children’s fantasy series that tackles themes of identity, prejudice, morality, and social responsibility. Since then, she has represented literary clients at ICM Partners, served as Director of Development for International Content at Sony Columbia Pictures, and VP of Film & TV at A-Major Media, Hollywood’s first Asian-American-driven production company. A TEDx speaker and literary ambassador for the Bangkok Metropolitan/UNESCO, Nirandara has won four Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing of the Year, two Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers, and Gold at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference 2023. She was named the inaugural Storyteller in Residence at Hidden Compass. Nirandara is also a PADI AmbassaDiver™ and the founder of Immersiv Expeditions, leading trips to swim with marine wildlife. Her photography has been recognized by competitions including Ocean Photographer of the Year, and she was awarded the 2023 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant by the Save Our Seas Foundation. An advocate for solo female travel, she has visited over 100 countries across 7 continents. She is currently working on a new novel and can be found in Los Angeles, Cape Town and @piersgreatperhaps. Nirandara is represented by Mina Hamedi at Janklow & Nesbit.

Born in 1973 in Vinh Long, Vietnam, Dr. Le and his family embarked on a harrowing journey, escaping the country by boat to Indonesia in 1982. After spending a year in various refugee camps, they resettled in the United States in 1983. In this episode, Dr. Le reflects on his family's initial struggles with financial hardship upon arriving in the US, a challenge that fueled his determination to pursue a career in medicine. He attributes his optimism as his driving force and gratitude as his superpower, propelling him to make positive contributions to his community. Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Le has been actively involved in community service. Since 2013, he and his wife have volunteered with Honor Flight San Diego, accompanying veterans on tours to Washington, DC. Additionally, he has organized pop-up medical clinics for the homeless in Father Joe's Villages and Santa Ana, demonstrating his commitment to providing healthcare to underserved populations. In 2019, Dr. Le joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the USS Midway Museum, where he now serves as Chair and a member of the Museum's Board of Directors, advocating for community outreach and inclusivity.

Maki Mae is a multi-talented, 13-language vocalist, concert pianist, and classically-trained violinist who has captivated audiences globally. Her illustrious career has seen her headlining crossover performances in major televised events, sports arenas, and festivals, including America's Got Talent, Special Olympics World Games, and Burning Man. In this episode, Maki shares the incredible story about how she was born as a blue baby not breathing and months later was rescued from crib death, resulting in 70% of her hearing loss, which ironically led to her discovering her love and passion for music. Known for her virtuoso coloratura and dynamic performances, her diverse talent spans classical arias, crossover pieces in jazz, pop, and alternative rock, and even a groundbreaking remix of Skrillex's "Kyoto." Hailing from Tokyo and Taipei, her journey from performing in the Taiwan National Recital Hall at 15 to becoming President & CEO of Asian Hall of Fame and CEO of the Robert Chinn Foundation showcases her global cultural perspective.

Born in Hong Kong, Andy Cheng began his martial arts journey early, mastering Taekwondo and earning numerous championships, including five consecutive gold medals. His prowess led him to represent Hong Kong internationally, clinching victories across various competitions. After retiring from competitive sports, Cheng ventured into the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents as an Action Artist for Hong Kong’s TVB. His career blossomed further when he joined Jackie Chan's esteemed stunt team, contributing to blockbuster films like "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai Noon." Transitioning seamlessly into directing and choreography, Cheng left an indelible mark on Hollywood, working on projects such as "The Scorpion King" and "6 Underground." In this episode, Andy shares his experiences on what inspired him to get into acting, and why he transitioned from being in front of the screen to becoming a screenwriter and director. Notably, his work on Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" received widespread acclaim. Cheng's dedication to martial arts in film was honored with the inaugural Bruce Lee Award in 2021. With a diverse portfolio spanning Hong Kong, China, and Hollywood, Cheng continues to captivate audiences with his universal appeal and breathtaking action sequences, exemplifying his mastery in the craft learned from industry luminaries.

A renowned chef, writer, and TV host, Christine Ha made history as the first blind contestant to win MasterChef's third season in 2012. Despite her visual impairment, she has triumphed as a talented Vietnamese American chef, becoming an inspiration for many due to her culinary achievements, and her impactful work in the world of cooking and television. In this Episode, Christine shares her inspirational journey in the culinary world, from her early experiences of moving from Saigon to Texas, following the Vietnam War, to hosting Four Senses, a cooking show for the visually impaired. We also get fun insights about her experience as a contestant on MasterChef, her collaborations with Chef Gordon Ramsay as well as Chef Tony Nguyen, and what lasting impacts those moments had on her. In 2014, Christine made history as the first chef and author to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Personal Achievement Award, with us she shares how this triumph influenced her efforts in advocating for people with vision loss and her work in the culinary world. As author of the highly acclaimed book: Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food , she shares the inspiration behind this project and also highlights her favorite recipes!

Eliseo Art Silva is a contemporary multimedia artist whose vibrant creations breathe life into historical narratives and foster compassionate connections within communities. Born in Manila in 1972, he migrated to the United States at 17, bringing a rich tapestry of Filipino heritage that now intricately weaves through his remarkable body of work. Renowned for designing iconic landmarks like the Eastern Gateway to Historic Filipinotown and the Gintong Kasaysayan mural, Eliseo is not only a muralist, but also a visionary who amplifies historically marginalized voices. In this Episode, joined by host Joanne Whitlock, Eliseo shares his experiences of growing up in Manila before immigrating to the US, and what early influences sparked his interest in art. As a Mural Artist, Eliseo takes us through his processes when it comes to the conception of his designs, and how he exquisitely captures historical narratives, in which inspires community solidarity through philosophy and urban design. As Founding President of FANHS-PA and Events Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Pennsylvania, Eliseo explains how the world of art further cultivates and highlights Filipino American history/culture, promoting the importance of heritage. Find Eliseo at www.eliseoartsilva.com to view more of his work and testimonials.

A multifaceted creative force, Nic Cha Kim is an award-winning television reporter, documentary filmmaker, playwright, and cultural activist. With a remarkable career spanning across various artistic disciplines, Nic has made significant contributions to the world of arts and culture in downtown Los Angeles. In this episode with host, Rasha Goel, Nic Cha Kim shares his experiences in the '92 LA Uprising, how he views the intersection of technology and art that shape the future of creative expression, and what trends he is currently excited about in the world of digital art. We also get insight on his views in regards to the ever evolving relationship between media, storytelling, and social change, especially in the context of today's fast-paced digital world. He has won 4 LA Emmys for his work on SoCal Connected (KCET) and Artbound (KCET), as well as, the LA Press Club's 'Television Journalist of the Year Award'. Executive Director of Niche.LA Video Art, Nic directs and produces documentaries for public television and curates digital and video art shows. (Editor of Niche.LA Video Art featured in the Tumblr Art Spotlight). His plays Trapezoid, RE:verse, Rise Up!, and Like Yesterday have been produced for the stage by Lodestone Theatre Ensemble and Company of Angels.

In the highly anticipated premiere of Asian Pacific Voices Season 4, our dynamic hosts Rasha Goel, Sasha Foo, and Joanne Whitlock delve into a diverse array of thought-provoking subjects, offering viewers an engaging and insightful kick-off to the new season. From exploring cultural intersections to addressing pressing issues, the hosts bring their unique perspectives to ensure a captivating and enriching viewing experience. Rasha Goel, an experienced TV host and producer, brings her dynamic storytelling skills to the forefront. With a keen eye for impactful narratives, she has a proven track record of delivering engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Sasha Foo is a multifaceted talent, who seamlessly transitions from her roles as an accomplished actress and playwright to her previous position as a distinguished news anchor. Her unique blend of creativity and journalistic insight promises to infuse the show with depth and authenticity. Introduced as a new host to Season 4, Major Joanne Whitlock is an Airforce officer who adds a distinctive perspective to the program. With a background rooted in service and leadership, she brings a wealth of experience that enriches the discussions, offering a unique lens on people and topics of interest.

For this Season 3 finale episode, we are joined by a remarkable power couple who have left a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Joining us is a versatile actor, Amit Sarin, whose inspiring journey from Indian television to global recognition has captivated millions, and his incredibly talented wife, Vineesha Arora-Sarin, who is a producer and creative powerhouse behind the scenes. Together, they create magic both on and off the screen, weaving captivating narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Vineesha Arora-Sarin is an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, with her film journey beginning in Mumbai in 2000. She started in the Indian entertainment industry with her acting debut in the film Supari (2003), distributed by Yashraj Films. She is a Filmmaker and Founder of Lady With A Hat Productions and CEO/Executive Director of Woman In Showbiz Everywhere (WISE). Vineesha is the Executive Producer of the indie horror film Natty Knocks (2023), directed by Dwight Little. Vineesha's storytelling reflects her humanistic and spiritual perspectives, aiming to open doors for the underserved. Amit Sarin's long and respected association with the Indian television industry, combined with a business background in real estate has given him a dynamic experience to spearhead the business affairs at RRF, where he also oversees the company’s day-to-day operations. Alongside his successful acting career, Amit had ventured into his family’s real estate business in Varanasi, India, where he owns and runs a chain of heritage hotels. Amit’s strong business acumen and intuition helped guide him into expanding the entertainment fund across the media spectrum. Some of Amit’s most noteworthy performances are from the series Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kkusum, Doli Saja Ke, and Pavitra Rishta, among many others produced by Balaji Telefilms. Blessed Films is an independent film studio founded and managed by Amit Sarin and Vineesha Arora-Sarin, based in Los Angeles that develops and produces film, television and digital content for a global audience. They specialize in bringing together two of the biggest and most influential entertainment industries in the world - Hollywood and the Indian film industry. Watch Natty Knocks (2023) by renting or buying on Apple TV, VUDU, and Amazon Prime.

Known as MC MARU, Maru Kim is a Korean-American professional emcee, motivational speaker, and CEO of @maruonthestage Entertainment. With his unique, uncanny trilingual (Korean, English, Spanish) ability, cross-cultural sensitivity, and 600+ appearances on the stage as MC and speaker, he has been entertaining, motivating, and growing with Korean, Hispanic, and many other multi-ethnic immigrant communities. Maru is based in LA, and with an enormous amount of support and recognition from his Korean American and Latino community, he has been traveling all around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Paraguay, etc. to embrace and connect multicultural audience gathered at all kinds of events such as K-pop concert, multi-ethnic festival, leadership conference, fundraising gala, business expo, showcase, fan meeting, corporate/private events, weddings, and so on. With his “No one left out” emceeing philosophy, MC MARU does his magic on stage firing up the audience with his charisma, character, and passion. In this episode, MC MARU talks about his ongoing journey as the face of the Korean American community, and his relentless efforts to expand his territory and influence to embrace and engage with the Latino community. You can see his footprints on his Instagram @maruonthestage.

Joining us in this episode is a remarkable storyteller and creative activist, Alaudin Ullah, whose work resonates deeply across cultures and communities. One of the first South Asians to appear as a stand-up comedian on national television, including Comedy Central, BET, MTV, and PBS, his groundbreaking one-person, multi-character play, Dishwasher Dreams, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, shedding light on the immigrant experience with humor and profound narrative depth. Ullah's three-act play Halal Brothers centers on the interactions between African American and Bengali Muslims in a Harlem halal butcher's shop on the day of Malcolm X's murder in 1965. In his autobiographical solo show, Dishwasher Dreams, Ullah and musician Avirodh Sharma take audiences on a journey of vivid remembrances and discoveries from 1930s India (now Bangladesh) to 1970s Spanish Harlem to present-day Hollywood. Alaudin shares his experiences growing up in a culturally divided household, and opens up about the significant impacts in his life that had shaped his cultural identity. As a creative activist, Alaudin expresses the role as an artist and storyteller when it comes to shaping societal perceptions and fostering empathy, especially in today's diverse and often divided world.

Geeranan Chuersanga (Jeer-rah-nahn Choo-er-sahng-ah) , also known as Cartoon, is a Thai American, diversity, (health) equity and inclusion advocate as well as a self-taught artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Fun fact: Her nickname "Cartoon" was given by her parents since birth and derived from the popular cartoon character "Tweety" for her big eyes. Her full-time career and art endeavors were heavily influenced by her parents' experiences navigating their Thai cultural beliefs with the US healthcare system. As a result, she received her BA in Public Health Policy from the University of California, Irvine and her MS in Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice at Boston University. Her interest in art and niche in capturing Thai elements led to the creation of @kwamsookxo on Instagram. With increased exposure of Asian American art and artists on various social media platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed a lack of Thai-American representation and switched gears to shift her art to educate about Thai culture and capture the experiences of the Thai diaspora community.

Paloma B. Concordia (She/her) was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and gives credit to New York City for developing her business-savvy state of mind. Her education and career began in the fashion and retail industry and transitioned into the music business at the height of the digital media boom.Inspired by progressive artists in the Bay Area, Paloma began to explore youth empowerment programs and social justice initiatives and found her passion in supporting the progressive arts community through public relations. Paloma has served as a program coordinator in partnership with Beats Rhymes and Life, and the East Bay Asian Youth Center in Oakland, CA, as well as a Program Director with a non-profit arts organization, the Estria Foundation. Combining her experience in these fields, she founded the PapaLoDown Agency in 2009, a boutique public relations company specializing in a client base of entrepreneurs and community organizations in the arts, culture, and community spaces. Paloma is passionate about empowering APIA women through entrepreneurship and public relations and has served on Daly City’s inaugural Small Business Commission, was a founding advisory board member for Pinayista, and is currently an advisory board member for the Asian American Women Artists Association, and the Pinays Rising Scholarship fund. She now lives in Oxnard, CA where she serves on the city’s Cultural Arts Commission. When she's not working with clients, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, and raising a family of three boys with her husband.

In this episode we are joined by coffee expert, entrepreneur, and internet personality Nick Cho. Known for his online persona "Your Korean Dad," he uses social media to share heartwarming and relatable content that fosters a sense of connection and positivity among his followers. Nick was born in Seoul, Korea in 1973. He immigrated to the US in 1975 with his father and mother, eventually settling in the Washington DC suburbs in Northern Virginia where he and his younger sister, Jennifer, grew up. After a number of different jobs including car sales, music teacher, and assistant to a radio producer for a nationally syndicated comedy radio show, he opened a small coffee shop in Washington DC in 2002 called "murky coffee." It quickly became renown throughout the country as one of the pioneering cafes for what would be called "third wave coffee." He moved to San Francisco in 2010, starting a new coffee company with Trish Rothgeb called Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters. Both Nick and Trish would split time between running the coffee company and traveling the world, being invited as leading industry experts to speak and teach at various venues and events throughout the coffee world. Nick started on TikTok in late 2019, and started posting videos as what would be known as "Your Korean Dad" in April of 2020. His audience has been growing rapidly ever since.

As a writer, speaker, and yoga teacher, Kathy Khang is also the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent & How to Speak Up (IV Press, 2018) and Alabaster Guided Meditations, Psalms Vol. 1 and 2 (IV Press, 2020), and a contributing author in More Than Serving Tea (IV Press, 2006) and Voices of Lament (Revell, 2022). Her next book co-authored with Matt Mikalatos, Loving Disagreement, releases in October. Ms. Khang is the board chair for Christians for Social Action, co-host of The Fascinating Podcast, and president of the Northwestern University Asian and Asian American Alumni (A-5) Club. Ms. Khang was a newspaper reporter in Green Bay and Milwaukee, WI before spending more than two decades in vocational ministry where she focused on leadership development and training leaders in diversity and justice. She holds a BS in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. She is based in the north suburbs of Chicago and blogs at www.kathykhang.com, is on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok as @mskathykhang, and posts at www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor