Brazn Azn

Brazn Azn
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Broadening what it means to be Asian American, co-hosts Virginia Duan and Stella delve into identity, social justice, and the complexities of Asian American experiences. Lowkey and goofy, these two self-proclaimed dorks invite you to eavesdrop on their conversation as they discuss the sacred and profane, with heavy emphasis on the mundane. We're looking to chat with fellow brazen Asians, so please email us at braznaznpodcast@gmail.com. Subscribe and join the BRAZN N8N!

  1. Ep 29: Kaila Yu on Yellow Fever, Fetishization, and Beauty

    08/20/2025

    Ep 29: Kaila Yu on Yellow Fever, Fetishization, and Beauty

    Author Kaila Yu Discusses Her Debut Memoir 'Fetishized' and Asian American FeminismIn this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan, have a compelling conversation with author and cultural writer Kaila Yu about her debut memoir Fetishized: a Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty." Kaila shares her experiences navigating the fetishization of Asian women, the slow yet collaborative process of writing her memoir, her journey towards self-love and sobriety, and the transformations in Asian representation in media. Kaila's memoir is a deeply personal narrative interspersed with essays on various themes, offering a nuanced exploration of identity and resilience.- Discussing Kaila's Memoir: Fetishized- The Impact of Vulnerability and Recovery- Challenges in Asian Representation in Media- Nylon Pink and the Rock Scene- Asian Fetishization and Its Real-Life Consequences Follow Kaila @kailayu on Instagram.

    45 min
  2. Ep 28: Does Guanyin Pusa Know Anthony Ma, Asian Jim Carrey?

    05/01/2025

    Ep 28: Does Guanyin Pusa Know Anthony Ma, Asian Jim Carrey?

    In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan are joined by award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and voiceover artist Anthony Ma. Anthony discusses his new short film "God and Buddha Are Friends," which is inspired by a childhood experience. - The Story Behind the Film - Big Mom Energy - Creating an Authentic 90s Experience - Balancing Accuracy and Storytelling - The Evolution of Asian American Roles in Hollywood - Challenges and Progress in the Industry Follow Anthony Ma on Instagram @anthonyma

    49 min
  3. Ep 27: Getting Cheeky With Romance Writer Thien-Kim Lam

    04/23/2025

    Ep 27: Getting Cheeky With Romance Writer Thien-Kim Lam

    Join hosts Stella and Virginia as they chat with author Thien-Kim Lam about her latest novel "Something Cheeky" and explore: - The evolution of Asian American representation in romance literature - Writing authentic, diverse characters and relationships - Balancing cultural specificity with universal themes - The importance of found family and community in storytelling - Challenging stereotypes and creating sex-positive narratives Follow Thien-Kim Lam at https://thienkimlam.com Socials: @msthienkim

    48 min
  4. Ep 26: Confessions of Brazen Asians Playing It Safe

    04/02/2025

    Ep 26: Confessions of Brazen Asians Playing It Safe

    In this episode of Brazn Azn, hosts Stella and Virginia dive deep into the complex world of risk-taking, exploring their personal experiences with calculated caution and unexpected leaps of faith. From early marriage to career choices and parenthood, they unpack the nuanced ways we define and navigate risk in our lives. -Early marriage and its financial implications -Pregnancy is a huge risk and not health neutral -ADHD and impulsivity vs. calculated decision-making -The myth of the risk-averse eldest child -Balancing stability and adventure in relationships and careers

    46 min
  5. Ep 25: Ezra Justin Lee, 6 Feet, Pastor's Kid

    03/12/2025

    Ep 25: Ezra Justin Lee, 6 Feet, Pastor's Kid

    In this episode of Brazn Azn, hosts Stella and Virginia welcome rising Korean American actor Ezra Justin Lee, who shares his transformative journey from growing up as a pastor's kid to finding his authentic self in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of reconciling cultural heritage, family expectations, and personal ambition in the entertainment industry. - Short film "Pastor's Kid" - Not demonizing our fathers - Authentic Asian representation in media - Differing beauty standards - Self-love and self-acceptance

    48 min
  6. Ep 24: Between Belief and BS: Navigating Spirituality After Church

    03/05/2025

    Ep 24: Between Belief and BS: Navigating Spirituality After Church

    On this episode of Brazn Azn, co-hosts Stella and Virginia have an intimate conversation about their personal journeys with religion and spirituality, exploring how they've moved away from traditional Christian faith while still grappling with big existential questions. It's a raw, honest exploration of leaving organized religion while still wrestling with fundamental questions about meaning, community, and the possibility of something beyond our immediate perception. - Personal faith journeys - Spirituality vs. religion - Purpose of prayer - Collective human experience

    47 min
  7. Ep 23: No Sheet Music Required: GKO's Unscripted Journey

    02/26/2025

    Ep 23: No Sheet Music Required: GKO's Unscripted Journey

    In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan chat with improvisational pianist GKO about his unexpected path from tech to becoming a full-time musician. GKO shares his journey of discovering a sudden ability to improvise during the pandemic, building an independent music career, and breaking away from traditional Asian American narratives. Key Topics: - The Magic of Musical Improvisation - Navigating Life as an Independent Artist - The Current State of the Music Industry - Breaking Free from Asian American Stereotypes - Finding Authenticity Through Therapy - Taking Risks and Pursuing Passion You can find GKO on all social media platforms @GKOPiano and stream his music on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

    49 min
  8. Ep 22: Living With the Land: a Conversation With Olivia Hu Kinney

    02/19/2025

    Ep 22: Living With the Land: a Conversation With Olivia Hu Kinney

    In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan sit down with poet Ophelia Hu Kinney. Ophelia shares her experiences of moving to Maine, co-owning 20 acres of land, and building a community as a queer Asian American. The discussion explores themes of change, the importance of community, the interaction of Asianness in predominantly white settings, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. - Tending the Land and Community - Navigating Small Town Conservatism - Family and Community Connections - Lessons from the Land and Parenthood - Community and Vulnerability - Navigating Asianness in Maine

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Broadening what it means to be Asian American, co-hosts Virginia Duan and Stella delve into identity, social justice, and the complexities of Asian American experiences. Lowkey and goofy, these two self-proclaimed dorks invite you to eavesdrop on their conversation as they discuss the sacred and profane, with heavy emphasis on the mundane. We're looking to chat with fellow brazen Asians, so please email us at braznaznpodcast@gmail.com. Subscribe and join the BRAZN N8N!

Information

  • Creator
    Brazn Azn
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brazn Azn
  • Show Website
    Brazn Azn