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Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture

Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture

By: Bear Radio
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About this listen

 The Third Culture is what emerges at the intersection between your culture of origin, and the other cultures by which you’ve been shaped.

Beyond Asian is a place for stories of global nomads with Asian roots, brought up in diversity.

Together, we explore the interplay of our pasts with our presents, and our relationships with the multiple cultures we move in.

These are more than conversations about Asian identity - they’re portraits of whole people - what keeps them up at night, what their hearts long for, and the impact they hope to have on their communities.

I’m your host, Sen Zhan, a Third Culture Kid born in China, raised in Canada, and currently based in Berlin. This series is a first step towards making peace with my own Asian background, and it’s my hope that other Third Culture Asians will hear themselves reflected in our stories.


New episodes on Sundays, every 2 weeks.Copyright Bear Radio Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S2 | E10 - "In Progress": The Ever-Evolving Identity of Asian Germans (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)

    S2 | E10 - "In Progress": The Ever-Evolving Identity of Asian Germans (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)
    Oct 30 2023
    Welcome to the latest episode of the Beyond Asian podcast! We have something truly special in store for you today. This live panel interview takes us on a thought-provoking journey with a panel of 3 Asian-German women at the renowned Pod Fest Berlin, moderated by Sen.
    Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of dual cultural identities as our panelists share their personal experiences and insights. From navigating societal and familial expectations to unraveling the complexities of their individual journeys, these incredible women leave no stone unturned.

    Through heartfelt storytelling, they shed light on what it feels like to be an outsider and the unique challenges of living between two cultures. Their mixed or multi-ethnic identities have shaped their lives in profound ways, influencing their relationships with their families and the world around them.

    But it doesn't stop there! Our panelists also delve into the differences between living in Canada and Germany, offering a fresh perspective on the diverse experiences of Asian communities across the globe. They emphasize the importance of having open conversations to bridge understanding between generations, especially in an era of fragmentation.

    So, whether you share the experience of being Asian-German yourself, or you're someone with a similar background, or simply curious about the intricacies of cultural identity, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of stories and experiences that make up the lives of these remarkable individuals.

    Tune in now and be a part of this important conversation that reminds us of the power of dialogue and understanding in a world that often feels divided. Let's come together, celebrate our differences, and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

    *
    Panelists:

    Yun Huang: Actor, writer, filmmaker
    Nga Orstadius-Bui: Host of Vietkieu2.0 Podcast
    Minh-Ha Nguyen: Cultural Researcher

    Moderator:

    Sen Zhan: Host of Beyond Asian
    *

    Timestamps:
    • Introduction and intentionality (00:00:17)
    • Exploring the Asian German experience (00:01:24)
    • Introducing the panelists (00:02:35)
    • The Energy of Conversations (00:11:31)
    • Navigating Name Pronunciation (00:12:26)
    • Catering to Mainstream Culture (00:14:32)
    • The Vietnamese Upbringing (00:22:19)
    • Identity Crisis and Cultural Differences (00:23:19)
    • Navigating Cultural Contradictions (00:27:22)
    • The struggle with parental expectations (00:34:16)
    • The process of asserting independence (00:35:57)
    • The evolution of relationships with family (00:38:04)
    • The Asian German Experience (00:46:59)
    • Living in Canada vs. Germany (00:49:02)
    • Parents Listening to Podcasts (00:52:26)
    • The technical glitch (00:56:22)
    • Continuing the conversation (00:56:22)
    • Supporting the show (00:57:50)
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    58 mins
  • S2 | E9 - Redefining Narratives: Asian Women Podcasters Breaking Barriers (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)

    S2 | E9 - Redefining Narratives: Asian Women Podcasters Breaking Barriers (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)
    Sep 24 2023
    Welcome to a special episode of "Asian and Amplified." You'll be joining a lively panel conversation delving into the world of podcasting and the unique experiences of our panelists within Berlin's vibrant Asian community.Panelists:Natalina Pereira: Host of "Asia is Not a Country"Passionate podcaster exploring the diverse cultures and stories within Asia. Her podcast, "Asia is Not a Country," has gained recognition for its insightful narratives.Jing-Jing Hu: Host of "You Rice Me Up"Entrepreneur and podcaster sharing stories and experiences related to European Asian identity, culture, and personal growth.Liwen Qin: Host of "Seahorse Planet"Feminist perspective through her Chinese-language podcast. Her unique approach to storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide.Moderator:Sen Zhan: Host of "Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture"Skilled storyteller delving into the experiences of individuals living at the intersection of cultures.Questions from Audience:What's been your revenue from podcasting? How has podcasting impacted your financial landscape?As your podcast grows, a persona often develops around it. How do you manage and evolve this persona to resonate with your audience?Can you share your toughest experience with podcast guests? How did you navigate and resolve challenging situations with guests?What are models for intercultural belonging that you've encountered or explored through your podcasting journey? How can different cultures come together and thrive in today's interconnected world?This event was part of Podfest Berlin, October 13-15, 2023, at Noisy Rooms in Berlin.*Timestamps: The question of hopes and nerves (00:00:00) The hosts discuss the questions they hope to receive and their nervousness about the panel discussion.Curiosity about podcast preferences (00:01:04)Qing expresses curiosity about what listeners pay attention to in podcasts and the format of storytelling they enjoy.Empowerment of telling personal stories (00:02:55) Natalia talks about the empowering aspect of creating a podcast and being able to tell one's own story. She also mentions her nervousness about her podcast still being in production after two years.The journey to podcasting (00:11:43) The hosts discuss their personal backgrounds and how they got into podcasting, including their initial hesitations and inspirations.Creating a platform for Asian Europeans (00:12:51) The hosts talk about the lack of English-speaking podcasts about the experiences of Asian Europeans and the importance of highlighting their stories and diversity.Finding the courage to share (00:19:19) The hosts discuss the process of vulnerability and how it takes strength to open up and share personal stories, particularly in the context of feminism and women's empowerment.The process of finding comfort in sharing personal stories (00:23:57) The speakers discusses their hesitancy in publicly discussing personal experiences, particularly regarding family dynamics, and the importance of finding comfort in sharing vulnerable stories.The challenge of being outspoken in the Chinese context (00:24:47) The speakers admires those who dare to challenge norms and speak out in the Chinese context, highlighting the potential repercussions and censorship they may face.The importance of vulnerability in podcast interviews (00:27:58) The speaker emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in podcast interviews, both from the host and the guest, to create a genuine connection and allow for deeper conversations.The programming journey (00:34:51) Liwen discusses her interview with a former factory worker turned programmer and her own personal growth in expressing emotions.The impact of colonialism (00:36:11) Sen and Liwen talk about the lack of neutral perspectives in storytelling and the influence of colonialism on their own creative processes.Monetary revenue and creative integrity (00:39:15)Sen and Qing share their experiences with podcasting expenses, revenue, and their thoughts on maintaining creative integrity in the pursuit of profit.The persona in podcasting (00:50:18)Discussion on how podcast hosts manage the persona they create in their shows and the challenges they face in representing themselves authentically.Finding your voice (00:51:44)Exploration of the struggle to convey personality and authenticity in podcasting and the importance of letting one's true self shine through.Perception and reflection (00:56:52)Reflection on the process of creating a podcast persona and how the audience's perception and feedback can shape the host's understanding of their own offering.The worst interview experiences (00:59:34)Podcast hosts share their worst moments in podcasting, including long-winded guests and technical issues.Dealing with technical issues (01:02:04)Hosts discuss technical difficulties they encountered, such as empty files and audio quality problems.Handling haters (01:07:50)The hosts discuss how they handle negative feedback and haters, viewing...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • S2 | E8 - Unblocking Love: Healing Relationships with Asian Parents Through Vulnerability and Understanding, with Johnson Hsieh (2 of 2)

    S2 | E8 - Unblocking Love: Healing Relationships with Asian Parents Through Vulnerability and Understanding, with Johnson Hsieh (2 of 2)
    Jun 14 2023
    In this week's episode, we dive into the complex process of healing and improving relationships with parents, particularly in Asian cultures. Our new Ask Me Anything segment features psychoanalyst Dr. Salman Akhtar's article on "A Third Individuation, Immigration, Identity, and the Psychoanalytic Process," providing a resource for third culture individuals to understand themselves better.

    Read "A Third Individuation", by Dr. Salman Akhtar here: https://immaterial.sfai.edu/features/here-and-yet/documents/A-THIRD-INDIVIDUATION-IMMIGRATIONidentity-and-the-psychoanalitical-process.pdf


    Become a Patron with benefits like: Shoutouts on New Episodes, Ask a question on the Ask-me-anything segment, and access to uncut episodes!
    www.patreon.com/beyondasian

    In today's episode featuring Johnson Hsieh, we explore the concept of third individuation and the importance of unblocking love, tearing down internal barriers that prevent true connection. We delve into the challenges of evolving relationships with parents, examining our own perceptions and biases, and setting boundaries. We emphasize the importance of communication, understanding, and forgiveness in relationships, highlighted by our personal experiences and those of our guests. Join us as we explore the ongoing effort of trying to improve relationships by being vulnerable, expressing oneself, and actively listening.

    Don't forget to support us by becoming a patron on patreon.com/beyondasian. Tune in now to Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture, where we believe that understanding and empathy towards others are vital to building meaningful relationships with our Asian parents.

    Topics
    - A Third individuation in immigrants
    - Kanye West's "everything is the same"
    - Understanding and empathy towards parents
    - Unblocking love to improve relationships
    - Navigating cultural differences and setting boundaries
    - Understanding interrupting in communication
    - Therapy and exploring emotions
    - Importance of open communication
    - Accepting challenges in infinite game
    - Finding progress and hope in small shifts
    - Impact of self-reflection and self-acceptance


    Notable Quotes
    "Immigration from one country to another is a complex and multifaceted psychosocial process with significant and lasting effects on an individual's identity."

    "The idea that the individuation process may never quite stop happening for third culture people invites a continuous process of creativity and of reinvention."

    "Grief is love with nowhere to go. It's love that has had nowhere to go for decades, and now it can finally flow."


    Keywords
    1. Immigration process 2. Dr. Salman Akhtar 3. Psychoanalytic process 4. Third individuation 5. Psychosocial development theory 6. Third culture individuals 7. Identity 8. Parental backstory 9. Protection 10. Relationship with parents.

    Episode Outline
    Introduction and explanation of Ask Me Anything segment [00:00:01]
    Question from patron William on suggested reading materials for third culture individuals [00:00:28]
    Johnson's mom's backstory and early life struggles [00:10:34]
    Johnson's mom's experiences as a child [00:11:37]
    Johnson''s approach to maintaining a relationship with his parents despite interruptions [00:29:41]
    Johnson and his mom's evolving relationship and her positive affirmations towards him [00:36:04]
    Johnson's pivotal moment with his therapist and impact on his relationship with his mom [00:40:35]
    Johnson's infrequent interrupted conversations with his mom and documenting them on Twitter. [00:43:32]
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins

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