Big Asian Energy

John Wang
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The Big Asian Energy Show is designed for Asian Americans, Canadians, or anyone wanting to learn more about psychology, mindset, and personal growth. Each week, host John Wang interviews and showcases Asian changemakers, pioneers, leaders, and entrepreneurs who share their journies of success and reveal the secrets and strategies they've learned along the way. In the show, John draws on scientific studies, psychology research, and 15 years of coaching and real-life stories to share practical knowledge on breaking through mental blocks, maximizing your potential, and finding your purpose. He has amassed a passionate following of over 300,000 followers on social media, empowering a new generation of purpose-driven Asian Americans seeking to become the best version of themselves and make a positive impact in the world. If you're ready to take your life to the next level, break through your internal ceilings, or just want to learn more about super-inspirational Asians, tune in to The Big Asian Energy Show. Follow John on instagram @johnwangofficial or check out our webpage at www.bigasianenergy.com

  1. 3D AGO

    How to Navigate Interracial Relationships Without Losing Yourself

    In this episode of Big Asian Energy, host John Wang sits down with resident psychologist, sexuality and relationships expert, and author of Patterns That Remain,  Dr. Stacy Litam, for one of the most honest, charged, and long-overdue conversations in the Asian diaspora space: interracial relationships, and everything society projects onto them. In this episode, they cover: The "Oxford Study" explained — What it actually is, where it came from (a 2023 TikTok comment), and why people keep using it to shame Asian women in interracial relationshipsIs it “Asian fetish” or “Just a preference”?  — How to tell the difference, what red flags actually look like, and whether fetishization can exist in a loving, consensual relationshipInternalized racism and partner selection — How to identify if someone’s partner selection was influenced by internalized racism The demasculinization of Asian men and hypersexualization of Asian women — How decades of Hollywood representation (or lack thereof) shaped the dating landscape, and how things are shifting"You're muddying the bloodline" and "You're colonized" — Unpacking the three most common attacks Asians in interracial relationships receive. How to talk to your family about dating a non-Asian person — A practical framework for navigating parental disapproval, separating "need to haves" from "nice to haves," and addressing fear with compassionThe "Chinese era" trend — Why cultural appreciation gone corporate is a problem, and the line between appreciation and appropriationDr. Stacy Litam is a licensed psychologist and one of the leading voices on Asian American mental health, sexuality, and identity. Find her on Instagram and check out her previous episodes on Big Asian Energy for more. Show Links Guest: Dr. Stacey Litam Website: www.staceylitam.com Instagram: @drstaceyalitam Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants Available on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Patterns-that-Remain-Children-Immigrants/dp/0197762670

    49 min

  2. MAR 3

    How Asian Family Comparison Culture Creates Motivation Differently than Western Culture

    Ever feel a knot in your stomach when a cousin gets into med school, or a coworker lands a big promotion? If you grew up in an Asian household, you may have felt that sense of comparison dread before.  In this episode, John breaks down the fascinating science behind why Asian and Western cultures are wired to respond to success and failure in almost completely opposite ways.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why Japanese students work harder after failure while North Americans work harder after success, based on a landmark 2001 study that reveals how Asian and Western motivational systems are often flipped.The difference between the independent vs. interdependent model of self — and how your cultural background shapes what makes you feel valuable at the most fundamental level.How social comparison works as a tool of motivation in collectivist cultures, and why "upward comparison" isn't threatening to East Asians, but  informationalWhy perfectionism in Asian cultures is often a survival strategy, not just a personality trait.The hidden reason why Western talk therapy and standard mental health advice can actually increase stress for East Asian people.How immigrant family dynamics intensify these pressures — and what often gets missed about the genuine benefits of collectivist systems.Referenced Research: Heine & Lehman (2000s) — Japanese vs. Canadian participants on self-assessment biasHeine et al. (2001) — Success/failure feedback and task persistence across culturesWhite & Lehman (2005) — Upward comparison preferences after failure in Asian CanadiansKo & Kim — Interpersonal vs. intergroup comparison and self-esteem in Asian Americans Resources Mentioned: Quiz: The 7 most common achievement patterns in Asian Americans → bigasianenergy.comBook: Big Asian Energy by John Wang

    32 min

  3. FEB 25

    How to Stop Playing Small and Stand Out with Diana YK Chan

    Guest: Diana YK Chan, Personal Branding & Authority Strategist, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, 7-time UN Speaker Episode Overview: Have you ever talked yourself out of an opportunity before you even tried? In this episode, John sits down with Diana YK Chan, personal branding strategist, LinkedIn top voice, and one of the most practical voices in the space when it comes to visibility and confidence. Diana breaks down why so many talented people stay stuck, undercharge, and undersell themselves and exactly what to do about it. Whether you're launching a business, gunning for a promotion, or trying to get on bigger stages, this conversation gives you mindset shifts and tactical frameworks you can use immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode What imposter syndrome actually is and why 70% of people experience itDiana's 3-step framework: Identify → Believe → Voice your valueThe difference between speaking from your head vs. your heart — and why it changes everythingHow to "borrow belief" when you don't have enough of your own yetDiana's 4 Pillars of Marketability: Positioning, Credibility, Visibility, and RelatabilityThe "features tell, benefits sell" rule that will change how you pitch yourselfWhy the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make is undercharging — and how to fix itHow to use the "What would NOT have happened if I wasn't there?" question to own your impactWhy sharing vulnerable stories on LinkedIn led Diana to become a LinkedIn Top Voice Key Quotes "How you see yourself shapes how others see you.""Nothing has meaning except the meaning you give it.""When you don't believe in yourself yet, borrow that belief.""Selling is serving. When you shift that, everything changes.""Stop underselling, underrepresenting, and undermining yourself.""A no doesn't mean not ever, it just means not right now." Resources & Links Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianaykchanDiana's LinkedIn Learning Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/diana-yk-chanDiana's company: My Marketability - https://mymarketability.com/

    53 min

  4. FEB 17

    How to Become Your Own Best Advocate for Career Advancement

    Stephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago.  He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud.  Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history.  In this episode, Stephen Lee shares his journey from a shy kid to a high-stakes trial lawyer, dismantling the "quiet professional" stereotype along the way. He provides a masterclass in self-advocacy, the importance of building a niche personal brand, and the technical communication skills needed to command a room or a courtroom. Key Takeaways:Be Your Own Best Advocate: As a lawyer, you're trained to fight for your clients, but often forget to fight for yourself. Stephen emphasizes that doing "great work" isn't enough to reach senior levels; you must be intentional and vocal about your career goals.The Power of a Niche Brand: In a crowded field, specialization is key. Stephen explains how narrowing his focus to healthcare fraud and data analytics helped him stand out more effectively than being a generalist.Strategic Networking: Forget the cocktail parties. Real connections are built through collaborative work, such as organizing panels or volunteering for bar associations.Mastering Presence and Communication: Stephen shares the "sprinkler vs. sniper" technique and the importance of pacing and gestures in public speaking, skills he learned through high-stakes trial experience.Confidence Through Survival: True confidence isn't born from success, but from surviving rejection and failure. About Stephen LeeStephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago.  He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud.  Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history.  Connect with Stephen:AABA Chicago: https://aabaogc.wildapricot.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenchahnlee/Website: https://www.stephenleelaw.com/Asian American legal history written by Stephen: https://ourapaheritage.substack.com/The Portrait Project: https://www.apaportraitproject.org/  Love this episode? Share it with someone who’s ready to level up their career. And don't forget to grab your copy of Big Asian Energy, now available on Amazon and major bookstores!

    54 min

  5. FEB 10

    2026 What’s in and What’s out with John & Dr. Stacey

    In this episode of Big Asian Energy, host John Wang sits down with our amazing resident psychologist Dr. Stacey Litam to jam on what’s in and what’s out for 2026. From how to rewire our brain for joy to oversharing, this new episode uncovers what’s actually working to make a change in your life.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam/ Website: https://www.staceylitam.com/ Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DM8JJTB7?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_F3M9H3XBTA8QD8A2H04M&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true

    35 min
  6. How to Heal from Adultification and Over-Functioning

    FEB 2

    How to Heal from Adultification and Over-Functioning

    In this episode, we dive into the "invisible weight" carried by many Asian adults, particularly those from immigrant families who grew up as the "competent ones" everyone turns to. We explore how early role responsibilities, such as translating at the doctor’s office or managing a parent’s emotional state, create a survival strategy that follows us into adulthood. Our conversation breaks down the concept of adultification, the difference between healthy high performance and anxious over-functioning, and how to move from reactive fixing to responsive choice. Notable Quotes: "Adultification happens when the parent-child hierarchy basically flips upside down... the child instead becomes a caregiver to the parent." "There’s a massive difference between healthy high performance and over-functioning... healthy high performance happens when you choose to excel because you’re genuinely excited. Over-functioning comes out of a sense of compulsion." "True maturity isn’t actually doing everything for everyone. It’s knowing what is actually yours to carry and allowing other people to do what they’re here to do." "Being a good child [often] means erasing your needs entirely or hiding them so that you’re not adding more inconvenience and burden to your parents' already heavy plates." Key Discussion Points: The Two Types of Adultification: Breaking down "Instrumental Adultification" (logistics and bills) versus the "sneakier" "Emotional Adultification" (becoming a parent’s therapist or marriage counselor). The Cultural Amplifier: How immigrant survival mode forces children to become cultural interpreters and emotional caretakers before they have a choice. Hyper-vigilance vs. Emotional Intelligence: Why being "good at reading the room" is often a nervous system adaptation learned to predict emotional outbursts in childhood. The 10-Second Pause: A practical tool to interrupt the autopilot "fixer" instinct and allow for self-regulation. Differentiation: Learning to build your own identity and value system while still remaining emotionally connected to your family.

    32 min
  7. How to Build Power and Influence on Our Own Terms with Hyphen Capital Founder Dave Lu

    JAN 27

    How to Build Power and Influence on Our Own Terms with Hyphen Capital Founder Dave Lu

    Guest: Dave Lu (Managing Partner of Hyphen Capital. Founder of Expo and Fanpop. Founder of Stand with Asian Americans. Producer of 38 at the Garden. Board of Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.) Host: John Wang In this episode, John sits down with Dave Lu, a serial entrepreneur, Emmy-winning producer, and the founder and managing partner of Hyphen Capital, one of the top VC funds focused on backing Asian American founders and cross-cultural entrepreneurs. From the viral "Enough" letter in the Wall Street Journal to the nuances of venture capital, Dave is a walking masterclass on how to stop being "invisible" and start being audacious. In our conversation Dave dives into the "hoop-jumping" mentality that traps many Asian American professionals and explains how to transition from feeling the need to seek validation to building real influence. Notable Quotes: "I started from a place where I felt Asians are invisible….But I realized that, we feel like we’re unseen, but oftentimes we don’t even see ourselves. So how can anyone else see us?” — Dave Lu “I did everything I thought I needed to do to make my parents proud, but also to find validation and self-worth through all the hoops I was jumping through. And I think that chase for self-worth and validation from just doing things and achieving things, it just led to emptiness again and again.” — Dave Lu “All the rules to gain power are antithetical to how Asians are raised. We’re raised to follow every rule, don’t stick out, don’t break rules, don’t disagree, don’t argue. But one of the rules to gain power is to be self-promotional and build your brand, and we’re never taught to do that.” – Dave Lu "If you don’t take credit for your work, someone else will. Advocating for yourself is having agency." — Dave Lu Dave Lu Links: https://www.davelu.com/ https://www.davelu.com/podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7plRO8VeNdoAT5fplNoNP4 https://substack.com/@davelu https://twitter.com/davelu https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelu

    1h 2m
  8. How to Build a Personal Brand While Being Authentic as F*ck with Sun Yi

    JAN 8

    How to Build a Personal Brand While Being Authentic as F*ck with Sun Yi

    In this conversation, Sun Yi and John Wang explore the significance of authenticity in personal branding, particularly within the context of Asian American cultural expectations. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity, the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, and how honesty in business can build trust. The dialogue emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace their true selves and share their experiences to foster genuine connections with others. In this conversation, Sun Yi and John Wang explore the intricacies of personal branding and storytelling. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the hero's journey, and how to transform personal trauma into compelling narratives. Sun Yi emphasizes the need to identify one's weaknesses and how they can be reframed as strengths. The discussion also touches on the balance between authenticity and marketing strategy, highlighting the significance of genuine connection with the audience. Sun Yi shares insights on crafting a personal brand that resonates with others while maintaining integrity and depth.

    1h 36m
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About

The Big Asian Energy Show is designed for Asian Americans, Canadians, or anyone wanting to learn more about psychology, mindset, and personal growth. Each week, host John Wang interviews and showcases Asian changemakers, pioneers, leaders, and entrepreneurs who share their journies of success and reveal the secrets and strategies they've learned along the way. In the show, John draws on scientific studies, psychology research, and 15 years of coaching and real-life stories to share practical knowledge on breaking through mental blocks, maximizing your potential, and finding your purpose. He has amassed a passionate following of over 300,000 followers on social media, empowering a new generation of purpose-driven Asian Americans seeking to become the best version of themselves and make a positive impact in the world. If you're ready to take your life to the next level, break through your internal ceilings, or just want to learn more about super-inspirational Asians, tune in to The Big Asian Energy Show. Follow John on instagram @johnwangofficial or check out our webpage at www.bigasianenergy.com

Information

  • Creator
    John Wang
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Wang
  • Show Website
    Big Asian Energy

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