Naomi Lin-Anderson is a half-Taiwanese/half-white Utahn who loves to dance, read, and paint. She’s also a church goer and elementary school teacher.

Naomi has always had a heart for people—whether that’s her elementary school students, her community, or those she’s met around the world. In this episode, she shares her journey of embracing her identity as a mixed-race Asian American in a community that hasn’t always reflected her background. She opens up about reconnecting with her Taiwanese heritage later in life, the importance of representation in media and leadership, and how visibility can inspire others to embrace who they are. Her experiences living in Guatemala brought new perspectives, from navigating culture shock to recognizing stark differences in how women are treated and objectified.

In this episode, Naomi reflects on how these life experiences shaped her commitment to kindness, empathy, and open-minded conversation — especially in a world that can feel divided by extreme views. She believes that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about showing others that they belong, that their voice matters, and that diverse perspectives strengthen communities. Naomi’s story is a reminder that listening to others, even when you disagree, can create the space for real understanding and change.

Support the show

Lawrence Mbaki grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and immigrated with his family to Cedar City, UT about 6 years ago. He currently attends Southern Utah University and is double majoring in Theater arts and music education.

In this episode, I talk with Lawrence about his journey from growing up in the Congo and South Africa to building a life in the United States. Lawrence shares what it was like to grow up surrounded by vastly different cultures, and how those experiences shaped his deep respect for people of all backgrounds, religions, and beliefs. Quoting To Kill a Mockingbird, he reminds us that “you never really understand a person until you climb into their skin and walk around in it.” Our conversation touches on the political history of South Africa, the power of democracy, and why being an educated voter—one who thinks critically and does their own research—is such an essential part of honoring that power.

We also dive into what it means to truly make space for others, with Lawrence’s beautiful philosophy of “making room at the table.” He talks about the challenges of immigrating to the U.S. and how our society can sometimes lack openness to different cultures—but also how he’s found hope in human connection. Lawrence believes that most people are good at heart, even when their circumstances force them to make difficult choices to survive. This episode is a moving reminder that empathy, kindness, and curiosity can be powerful tools in building bridges.

🎥 Check out Lawrence’s TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXAYn7sW1o&t=3s

Support the show

Riley Allen is currently serving in the US Army and is married with one child and one on the way. Riley is also an active member of the LDS church.

In this episode, I sit down with Riley Allen to talk about what it means to stay true to your values—even when it means stepping away from the party you’ve always known. Riley shares his journey from identifying as a Republican to finding a better fit in the Libertarian Party, all while staying grounded in his conservative values. We talk about his experience serving in the military, the deep sense of purpose that comes from service, and the importance of putting family first. It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about political identity, personal conviction, and what it means to lead with love and integrity—especially when the world around you feels divided.

Support the show