Asian Pacific Voices Radio

Jonathan is a serial entrepreneur and investor, known for founding Geekwire.com and PicMonkey, a leading photo-editing platform. He currently owns and publishes the re-booted Seattle Magazine and Seattle Business Magazine. Jonathan has the unique distinction of being the first to sell two companies to Google and a third to Shutterstock. His latest venture, JoySauce.com, highlights AAPI talent in TV, film, and podcasts, receiving recognition from the Center for Asian American Media and GLAAD. In 2016, he made headlines for committing to invest only in female-founded companies. Previously, he was a senior manager at Microsoft, contributing to the first Xbox and various MSN applications. Jonathan is a graduate of Whitman College and serves on its Board of Trustees. In this finale episode of Asian Pacific Voices Radio, host Sasha Foo deeply converses with Jonathan Sposato, a prominent entrepreneur and cultural advocate. They explore Jonathan's unique upbringing in Hong Kong, his transition to life in America, and the challenges he faced as an Asian American. Jonathan shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creativity. The discussion also touches on the balance between cultural assimilation and embracing one's heritage, culminating in Jonathan's advice for the next generation of creators and thinkers.

Lieutenant Taerance Oh has served with the San Diego Police Department for over 21 years. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, he immigrated to the U.S. at age three and grew up in Los Angeles. A former United States Marine, Taerance is a 3rd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoys coaching martial arts. He has held various roles within the department, including Patrol Officer and SWAT Operator, and currently works in the Leadership Development Unit. Taerance is actively involved in community service and has held leadership positions in several organizations, including the National Asian Peace Officers’ Association. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and playing golf. Sergeant Lem Sainsanoy is a dedicated officer with the San Diego Police Department, serving for 25 years. A Cambodian refugee who settled in San Diego in 1980, he graduated from Miramar College and the San Diego Regional Police Academy. Currently, he works in the Multi-Cultural Community Relations Office, assisting Asian and Pacific Islander communities with criminal investigations, translations, and crime prevention. Fluent in Cambodian, Laotian, and Thai, Sgt. Sainsanoy also serves as the Historian for the Pan-Pacific Law Enforcement Association and mentors teens through the San Diego Asian Youth Organization. He is the first Cambodian officer to achieve the rank of Sergeant in the department. In this episode of Asian Pacific Voices Radio, host Joanne Whitlock engages with Sergeant Lem Sansonoy and Lieutenant Terrence Oh from the San Diego Police Department. They share their personal journeys into law enforcement, highlighting the importance of community outreach and building trust within diverse communities. The conversation explores the challengIes and successes of their roles, the impact of their backgrounds on their work, and the significance of mentorship and education in policing. They discuss various outreach programs and the evolving role of community relations in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and connection with the community.

Flip Ahn Cuddy, an American of Irish and Korean heritage, is a descendant of the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho family, the first Korean American family in the U.S. His mother, Susan Ahn Cuddy, was the first Asian woman in the U.S. Navy and the first female Gunnery Officer in U.S. Armed Forces history. Flip holds degrees in Anthropology and Geography and is an expert on the Korean Independence Movement in America. He manages the largest family collection of independence materials at the Independence Hall in Chonan, Korea. A pioneer surfer, Flip was the first to surf in Korea and currently works with Siheung Wavepark and O'Neill Korea. In this episode, Flip talks about his mother's significant background as the Navy's first Asian American female officer and how her experiences influenced him. He delves into his mission to promote the legacy of his grandfather, Do San An Chang Ho, a prominent figure in Korea's fight for independence. Flip also touches on his love for surfing and food, as well as the importance of preserving Korean American history.

Kalaya'an Mendoza is a Queer, Disabled, Filipino human rights defender, street medic, and community safety & mutual protection expert. For the last two decades, he has worked in solidarity with frontline communities worldwide to co-build their capacity to respond to state and non-state actor violence. He currently serves as the Director of Mutual Protection at Nonviolent Peaceforce. Nonviolent Peaceforce is an international organization that protects civilians in violent conflicts using unarmed protection strategies. Kalaya'an shares his journey and the influences that shaped his activism. From his upbringing in the Bay Area to witnessing the People Power Uprising in the Philippines, Mendoza's experiences fueled his passion for social justice. He discusses his challenges as a member of multiple intersecting communities and the importance of self-care in activism. Mendoza highlights the rewarding projects he has been involved in, including working with Tibetan refugees and learning from colleagues worldwide. He emphasizes the need for community care and building sustainable models of safety.

Jeremiah Abraham is an award-winning Marketing and Public Relations Executive with nearly 20 years in the entertainment industry. As the Founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications, he has become a leading voice in making Hollywood more inclusive of the AAPI community, spotlighting talent, and producing films and TV shows. His notable projects include Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and Joy Ride. Jeremiah also co-produced films like Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca and has expanded to Broadway with Here Lies Love. He serves on the Board of Directors for Filipinos Advancing Creative Education (FACE). In this episode, Jeremiah Abraham discusses the inspiration behind starting Tremendous Communications and the challenges of amplifying diverse stories in media. He reflects on the evolution of Asian-Pacific American representation and Tremendous' role in driving change. Jeremiah shares insights from producing films like Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca and navigating the dynamic PR landscape. He also talks about his goals for the company, the importance of representation across industries, and his aspiration to collaborate with Filipino star Sharon Cuneta. The episode wraps up with a look at Tremendous’ podcast and its industry recognition.

Kristy Drutman, known as "Browngirl Green," is a media producer, speaker, and environmental educator focusing on the intersection of media, diversity, and environmentalism. She has reached global audiences with her content and workshops on environmental issues. As the Co-Founder of the Green Jobs Board, Kristy is committed to bridging the equity gap in the green economy by fostering diversity and inclusion in the environmental field. In this episode, Kristy shares her background and upbringing in a mixed-race household, how her passion for environmental justice was sparked by a high school environmental science class, and the impact of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. She discusses the inspiration behind the name Brown Girl Green and the creation of her platform, which aims to make sustainability accessible and inclusive for communities of color. Kristy also talks about her other venture, the Green Jobs Board, which connects job seekers with opportunities in the green economy. She emphasizes the importance of representation and diversity in the environmental movement and provides advice for individuals who want to positively impact the environment in their everyday lives.

Venk Modur is a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist, costume designer, and actor whose clients have been featured on the Academy Awards red carpet, in Vanity Fair magazine, and on numerous 'best dressed' lists. His aesthetic combines fashion with cultural significance and unique uses of accessories, bold colors, and neutrals. He's mastered the art of styling on diverse skin tones. His goal is to accentuate what makes each person unique and beautiful. Venk shares his journey growing up in Indiana. He was inspired by 90s fashion and the film Clueless, leading him to a career in fashion. Venk emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach for each client, focusing on collaboration and accessorizing to create standout looks. He advocates for sustainable fashion and highlights the rich tradition of made-to-measure clothing in Asian cultures. Venk also discusses the need for more diversity behind the scenes in the fashion industry.

Karan Soni was born in New Delhi, India. He debuted as Kemal in Yusuf Sumer's short comedy film Kaka Nirvana, where he co-starred with Rachel Quinn. In 2016, Soni rose to international prominence as Dopinder in Tim Miller's action film Deadpool, a role he later reprised in David Leitch's sequel Deadpool 2. In this episode, Karan shared insights about his journey as an actor, his challenges as a South Asian in Hollywood, and how he navigated typecasting in the industry. He discussed his early experiences, the importance of representation, and how he leveraged his unique background to create opportunities. Soni also emphasized the significance of persistence and authenticity in pursuing an entertainment career, encouraging aspiring actors to embrace their identities and stay true to themselves.

Loida Lewis is the first Filipina lawyer to pass the New York State Bar and is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and leader in the global Filipino community. After her husband's passing, she took over TLC Beatrice International, driving the company to continued success. A former General Attorney for the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, Lewis co-authored How to Get A Green Card, now in its 12th edition. Through the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, her philanthropic work includes scholarships and micro-financing for Filipino families. She co-founded three major organizations advocating for legal defense, governance, and the Filipino diaspora. Lewis is also a proud mother of two Harvard cum laude graduates. In this episode, she shares her journey of immigrating to the U.S., where she supported her husband, Reginald Lewis, in his historic $1 billion acquisition of Beatrice International Foods. Loida also became the first Asian woman to pass the New York bar in 1974. Following Reginald’s death in 1993, she took over as CEO of TLC Beatrice, leading the company to profitability.

DJ KSLY (K-Sly) is the first Asian female DJ to achieve mainstream success and has been a trailblazer since the '90s. Starting when DJing was just a hobby, she turned it into a career, aiming for multi-platform success as a Party, Radio, and TV DJ. KSLY disrupted the industry, paving the way for more women DJs. She is now part of the female-led Prism DJs agency and a proud Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. member. Her career began at community and college radio, taking her to Atlanta, Las Vegas, and back to her roots in LA. TV opportunities in LA led to appearances with major networks. KSLY has sat down with the most successful musical acts of yesterday and today. She competed in a nationally televised DJ competition and held domestic and international residencies at major events. As an Asian woman, KSLY changed the face of radio and TV by breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry. She currently has a summer residency at Terranea Resort and is gearing up for exciting new music releases. Her eclectic musical taste blends Hip-Hop, House, R&B, Dancehall, and Old-School Funk, creating electrifying dance floor experiences. In this episode, DJ K-Sly discusses her journey from being born in Korea to moving to the U.S. as a child, her challenges growing up with a single mother, and how her diverse upbringing influenced her love for hip-hop and DJing. DJ K-Sly highlights the music industry's evolution, the impact of the 90s golden era of hip-hop, and the importance of adapting to changes in today's music scene. She also talks about the difficulties of balancing her career with motherhood, her selective approach to gigs, and her advocacy for diversity and representation in the music industry, particularly for Asian American women.

Stephen Gong has been the Executive Director of the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) since 2006. He joined CAAM in 1980 and has held positions at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Film Institute. Stephen has also lectured in Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley, where he developed a course on the history of Asian American media. In this episode, Stephen shared insights about his journey as Executive Director of the Center for Asian American Media (CAM). He highlighted CAM's mission to present diverse and authentic Asian American stories, the importance of representation in media, and the challenges of evolving media landscapes. Gong also discussed the significance of CAMFest, their flagship film festival, and its impact on fostering community and showcasing Asian American talent. Additionally, he touched on educational initiatives, youth programs, and the importance of projects like the 1920s Chinatown Insider in preserving cultural history and resilience.

Jaswant Shrestha, an Emmy-winning documentarian, producer, and actor, is known for his cultural film "Festival of Saraswati Puja." His roles in major films like "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" and "Ms. Marvel" Have captivated audiences worldwide. Jaswant invites you to explore his incredible journey. In this episode, Jaswant not only discusses his Emmy-winning docuseries "Festivals" but also showcases his impressive multilingual skills. His ability to voice characters in major films and appear in commercials for Facebook and Dell Technologies is a testament to his versatility. He also shares insights into his Discovery Channel series "Festivals" and his latest 8-part series "On a Quest: with Jaswant," filmed in Portugal. Jaswant reveals the joys and challenges of versatility in the industry. He has donned multiple hats, from acting to producing, and has excelled in each role. His insights and advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers are invaluable, drawn from his rich and varied experiences.

Thao Huynh French is an artist, muralist, and photographer. Born in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, she lives and works in San Diego, CA. She is best known for co-founding Mindful Murals™ with her husband, where together they’ve painted over 300 community murals for schools and public spaces all over California. In addition to painting murals, she develops projects that intersect social justice, paints commissions, and displays artwork in galleries. In this episode, Thao shares her journey of co-founding Mindful Murals with her husband. She reveals why she left the corporate world to pursue art full-time, which was stifling her creativity. Through self-teaching, researching, and the support of her husband, she learned how to paint murals. Her work explores different varieties of flowers, her family history, and her Asian American heritage. Her art is a mixture of abstract and figurative concepts that are often broad and contrasting in style and medium ways with no limitation of color. Her work continues to evolve, using her training in traditional painting and figurative drawing to experiment with more modern ways to create art styles that are uniquely hers.

Chanchanit (Chancee) Martorell is an activist, educator, urban planner, and community development practitioner. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Thai Community Development Center, which advocates for victims of human trafficking and affordable housing, among other causes. In this episode, Chancee discusses their efforts to improve the social and economic well-being of low and moderate-income Thais and other ethnic communities in greater Los Angeles. Through human rights advocacy, affordable housing, healthcare access, and small business promotion, Chanchanit aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment for underserved communities.

Mika Shino, a first-generation Japanese entrepreneur, founded Issei Mochi Gummies in 2022. She created the world's first all-natural mochi gummy brand, which is vegan, kosher, and free of gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts. Her company, which is woman- and minority-founded, owned, and led, has disrupted the candy sector by offering a clean-label, better-for-you snack. Celebrating her Asian heritage, Shino's venture promotes diversity in the food industry and fosters cultural connections through food. In recognition of her achievements, Mika Shino was named to Inc.'s 2024 Female Founders List. In this episode, Mika shares how working with UNESCO allowed her to taste flavors from all around the world, igniting her passion for unique culinary experiences. Driven by her intuition and the need to find healthy, organic options for her son, who has severe liver disease, Mika started her Mochi Gummies business. Her journey is a blend of global flavors and a personal mission to create delicious, health-conscious treats.

Joanna Fang is a well-known Foley artist, actor, and sound editor, known for her work on films such as "God of War: Ragnarok", "The Invisible Man" and "Promising Young Woman". She has won the Primetime Emmy Award and other awards for her outstanding sound effects work. Joanna is also an advocate for the rights and interests of Foley artists, and has made significant contributions to the diversity and inclusion of the industry. In this episode, Joanna shares her journey that inspired her to become a Foley artist, sharing the moments and influences that fueled her passion for sound. She offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the art of Foley, revealing how everyday objects and inventive techniques create the immersive audio experiences we often take for granted. Joanna also shares her unique experiences as the Senior Foley Artist II at Sony PlayStation, providing insights into her creative process and the exciting projects she's been part of.

Michelle MaliZaki (Ichiban Mom) is a Japanese immigrant mom who has been performing stand-up comedy in the Los Angeles area since 2018. Her unique perspective on motherhood, cultural differences, and life in America has made her a sought-after performer in the comedy scene. In this episode, Michelle shares the inspiring story of her journey to the United States and the serendipitous discovery of her talent as a stand-up comedian. Michelle's candid and humorous recounting offers a heartfelt glimpse into the trials and triumphs that shaped her career in comedy. Tune in to hear how she turned her experiences into laughter, connecting with audiences and embracing her passion.

Anne Nguyen Oliver is the Founder/CEO of House of M Beauty. House of M Beauty is a skincare brand that offers a curated range of luxurious saffron skincare products. Their formulas are centered around premium and potent medicinal saffron, which is known for its brightening, calming, and protective properties. In this episode, Anne shares her journey of creating House of M. After battling post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth, her doctor recommended medicinal saffron as a safer alternative to medications while breastfeeding. This improved her sleep, reduced anxiety, and brightened her skin. Anne then developed a saffron-infused miracle serum and other skincare products, initially selling them on Facebook to her local Vietnamese community. Today, her line is sold at Nordstrom, with sales expected to reach $8 million in 2023. As an AAPI businesswoman in the U.S., Anne's story is a powerful motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Co-author of "How money works for women", Kim Scouller is recognized as a leading advocate for women and their finances. She has been an attorney for more than 30 years and served as in-house counsel for one of the largest financial services companies in the world. During her tenure at Transamerica, she served in several executive roles for the company’s insurance affiliates, broker-dealers, mutual funds, and investment advisors. In her last four years there, she served as the president of the Transamerica broker-dealer with the largest number of registered representatives. In this episode of Asian Pacific Voices Radio, Kim Scouller discusses teaching people how to manage money wisely. She shares her knowledge with women, underserved communities, and communities that haven't really been focused on the financial services industry. As one of the few women broker-dealer presidents in the U.S., she traveled around the country talking with people, especially women, about the steps to identify and achieve their financial goals. Wanting more control over her time, Kim left her corporate career to start her own financial business and law firm based in the Atlanta area. A Certified Financial Educator, Kim continues to speak with women about the importance and impact of financial education that leads to literacy.

Dr. Ellorin is the leading expert on maritime Southeast Asian gong-chime music in Southern California. He is also a master of the Filipino banduria (a version of the Spanish bandurria, a plucked string instrument similar to the mandolin) and the associated rondalla music. He is versed in the percussion music of the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon, as well as being one of the few Philippine kulintang instructors in the United States. Kulintang is an ancient instrumental form of music played on a row of small, horizontally laid gongs that function melodically, accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums. Dr. Ellorin has served the San Diego and Los Angeles communities as a performing artist and educator since 1992, and is the musical director of the Samahan Filipino-American Performing Arts and Education Center. In this episode of Asian Pacific Voices Radio, Bernard Ellorin highlights the significance of Filipino diasporic performing arts and shares his journey as the Music Director at Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center. As the music director for the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center, Ellorin performs traditional Philippine rondalla (stringed ensemble) and kulintang (gong chime percussion) ensemble music throughout southern California. Ellorin received the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) apprenticeship as a Master Artist in 2019 and 2021. Under both grant periods his apprentices mastered the art of indigenous gong music from the southern Philippines. Ellorin recently published chapters for the manuscript “Our Culture Resounds; Our Future Reveals: A Legacy of Filipino American Performing Arts in California” –a free resource available through the UCLA ethnomusicology archive. Ellorin also serves as a board member with the Center World Music helping curate both virtual and in-person concerts contributing to