Cultureful

Cultureful | Cultural Storytelling & Identity
  • 4.7 (13)
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American Writing Awards’ 2026 Podcast of the Year Award Winner What was it like for a Colombian lawyer growing up in a small town and then immigrating to the U.S.?  How did a Jewish New Yorker put her kids in Jewish school and why?  What was it like to have three weddings as a Bengali American?  These are the kinds of personal interviews on Cultureful.  Living, breathing, everyday you and me culture.  It's a kind of traveling and getting past the surface.  People from around the world sharing personal experiences in their own words.  Host Jess Lin (she, her), is a multilingual Taiwanese American who has spent many years abroad, off the beaten-path.  On Cultureful, she interviews friends and other guests about major life events and stages like childhood, dating, weddings, parenting, and immigration journeys.  She is also curious about the everyday- what people cook, what they do for fun, what friendship is like for them.  Hope you enjoy meeting the people she connects with. Follow on instagram @thecultureful

  1. Twice Uprooted: Reverse Migration & a Coffee Farm – Yeira (Pt 2)

    2D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Twice Uprooted: Reverse Migration & a Coffee Farm – Yeira (Pt 2)

    “And the air… if you're from LA, you know that faint smell of pee in the morning … and the air was so clean here. It was crisp. It was so unbelievably clean .” What happens when an outspoken, willful teenager is suddenly uprooted from the familiar concrete grit of 1990s Los Angeles and dropped onto a rural coffee farm in the mountains of Guatemala? In the second half of our deep-dive conversation with Yeira, we trace her family’s profound journey of reverse migration. After navigating the shifting urban landscape of LA, her parents make a radical pivot; seeking safety, language immersion, and cultural roots in their ancestral homeland. What follows is a breathtaking story of severe environmental culture shock that beautifully transforms into a deep lifelong romance with the Earth, agricultural community, and self-reliance . From treating a conservative private Christian school as her personal teenage "anthropological study" to discovering the profound psychological safety of a place where she never had to answer the question, “Where are you from?”, Yeira de Leon reflects on how navigating life between two radically different worlds shaped her identity, her worldview, and ultimately her modern career as a therapist . It is both a geographical and deeply emotional ride about uprooting, belonging, and the choices that define home. Welcome back to Cultureful, where strangers become neighbors. --------- Connect with Our Guest & Community: Follow the Journey on Instagram: @TheCulturefulConnect with Yeira: https://www.canopyandlightcounseling.org/ Discover More Identity Stories: Head over to our channel and subscribe to stay close with your global neighbors.What do you think? Feel?: with us: Leave us a comment on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or Instagram! We want to hear from you.--------- Production Credits: Hosted, produced, and edited by Jess Lin. Executive production support by Ruben Gnanaruban. --------- Watch on YouTube: Live at 8am EST 5/24/26: https://youtu.be/Lf9YeldcEWc  Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    41 min
  2. 90s LA Gentrification: Street Hockey, Live Chickens, & the Guatemalan-American Dream – Yeira (Pt 1)

    MAY 12 ·  VIDEO

    90s LA Gentrification: Street Hockey, Live Chickens, & the Guatemalan-American Dream – Yeira (Pt 1)

    "Use your voice." In part one of this two-part conversation, we meet Yeira, a 39-year-old Guatemalan-American therapist who grew up navigating the sharp contrasts of 1990s Los Angeles. Her story begins as a carefree kid hanging out on the sands of Redondo Beach, a neighborhood in South Bay Los Angeles, before moving to the tight-knit, resilient streets of Inglewood. Yeira reflects on a childhood where her outspokenness, like telling a teacher to be quiet in the third grade, was met with creative discipline from parents who balanced firm boundaries with a respect for her spirit. We explore the vivid details of a first-generation home where street hockey lived alongside traditional practices like keeping live chickens. As the 1990s saw the South Bay transform and communities in Inglewood face the dual pressures of disinvestment and rising costs, Yeira’s family stood at a crossroads. This episode is a look at the power of place, the strength of a neighborhood block when it becomes a community, and the pivotal choices that set the stage for a massive plot twist in her life. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating the "aerospace capital" of Redondo Beach and the displacement of working families.The reality of the 90s gang era and the sanctuary built by Black and Latino families in Inglewood.Creative discipline: How journaling became a tool for teaching a willful child.The "parallel play" of Southern California suburbs and the importance of cultural anchors.------------------------------- Support the Show  This show exists to explore and reflect on underrepresented perspectives and the messy, beautiful ways they interact with our cultures. Join our community of supporters today. Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful ------------------------------- Watch on YouTube  See the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/QPMb_VDKaIQ ------------------------------- Connect with Yeira  You can connect with Yeira through her organization: https://www.canopyandlightcounseling.org/  ------------------------------- Episode Credits Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Teresa Santiago and Chanthy.Host, Producer, & Sound Design: Jess LinAdvising & Production Support: Ruben GnanarubanSupport the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    45 min
  3. 2 Partners, 1 Family Gathering: Polyamory & Respect – Michelle (Pt 2)

    APR 28

    2 Partners, 1 Family Gathering: Polyamory & Respect – Michelle (Pt 2)

    How do you bring your whole self to a family function? In the second half of our conversation, Michelle reveals the radical honesty required to integrate her polyamorous and queer reality with her Colombian family roots. From navigating family gatherings with two partners to a tough conversation with her aunt, Michelle shares the pillars of integrity and respect that guide her life. While many choose the path of least resistance, Michelle’s story is a masterclass in bridging cultural and generational gaps without shying away from her true self. In this episode, we explore: Radical Honesty: The courage to be seen by family members who may not fully understand your romantic life.The "Tia" Lesson: How Michelle navigated a family gathering with two partners and maintained deep family bonds.Pillars of Integrity: Why respect for oneself and one's partners is the foundation of healthy polyamory.-------------------- Support Our Season 3 Fundraiser We are building a platform for cross-cultural storytelling that fosters empathy across generations and cultures. If you believe in a global neighborhood where no one is an outsider, please consider contributing today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful -------------------- Watch on YouTube See the video version of this episode (Live at 9pm EST on 4/28/26):  -------------------- Connect with Michelle Follow her journey on Instagram: @pebblespins -------------------- Episode Credits Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Groverel and AmyHost, Producer, & Sound Design: Jess LinAdvising & Production Support: Ruben GnanarubanSupport the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    52 min
  4. Flipping the Latino Script: Colombian & Queer – Michelle (Pt 1)

    APR 14

    Flipping the Latino Script: Colombian & Queer – Michelle (Pt 1)

    “I do it for myself. Because I want to feel confident for me. I could care less about the male gaze. That’s a part of Latino culture that I have flipped.” Michelle identifies as Latina first. She is a 32-year-old creative, and in this first half of our conversation, we trace the roots of her identity from the mountains of Pereira, Colombia to her life today in Atlanta. From the "telenovela" of her first love and the end of a marriage to the intimate beauty rituals she shared with her mother, Michelle explores the complex "give and take" of inheriting a culture. We discuss how to honor your family's traditions while "flipping the script" to make room for your own modern, intersectional values. In this episode, we explore: The Identity Order: Why Michelle leads with being Latina, and how that anchors her journey as a queer and polyamorous woman.The Ritual of Makeup: Transforming a tradition rooted in the male gaze into a tool for community care and trans-femme empowerment.Subversive Tradition: The intentional process of deciding what to keep, what to leave, and what to evolve within the Colombian diaspora.Whether she's teaching her community how to find their confidence or reflecting on the chapters of her love life, Michelle offers a masterclass in living authentically. -------------------- Support Our Season 3 Fundraiser We are building a platform for cross-cultural storytelling that fosters empathy across generations and cultures. If you believe in a global neighborhood where no one is an outsider, please consider contributing today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful -------------------- Watch on YouTube See the video version of this episode (Live at 11am EST on 4/14/26): https://youtu.be/-21BVGbeGEg -------------------- Connect with Michelle  Follow her journey on Instagram: @pebblespins -------------------- Episode Credits Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Jackson Evans and Judy Thornhill.Community Connection: Special thanks to Quinn O’Briant for connecting us with Michelle.Host, Producer, & Sound Design: Jess LinAdvising & Production Support: Ruben GnanarubanSupport the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    38 min
  5. BONUS: The Wind Down 3 with Willy – The American Blueprint and Costco as Disneyland

    APR 9 ·  BONUS

    BONUS: The Wind Down 3 with Willy – The American Blueprint and Costco as Disneyland

    In this "Wind Down" bonus session, we step away from the historical timeline to debrief with Willy on the personal "blueprint" that shaped his childhood. From the tactical way his mother navigated American extracurriculars to his surprisingly strong defense of why Costco beats a theme park, this conversation explores the lighter side of the 1.5 generation experience. In This Episode, We Explore: The Reflection: Willy shares why discussing personal culture and childhood feels "fuzzy" compared to the concrete world of science and tech.The American Blueprint: How Willy’s mother used his cousins’ childhoods as a map for his own upbringing—from swimming and Boy Scouts to finding his footing in the U.S.The Power of After-School Programs: A look at the affordable group lessons that allowed Willy to pick up five different musical instruments.The Costco Disneyland: Why Willy considers the value, discovery, and free samples of Costco to be superior to the "happiest place on earth."The Lightning Round: Willy’s "on-brand" media picks (Oppenheimer, When Breath Becomes Air) and his definitive last meal—the long-lost Costco combo pizza.Support Our Season 3 Fundraiser:  We are in the middle of our fundraiser to build this platform for cross-cultural storytelling. If you believe in our vision, please consider contributing today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful Watch on YouTube:  See the video version of this episode- Goes live on YouTube at 12pm EST: https://youtu.be/W3hRao5mA_4 Episode Credits Host, Producer, Research & Sound Design: Jess LinAdvising and Production Support: Ruben Gnanaruban Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    13 min
  6. Willy, Pt. 2: Hagwons, Cultural Brokering, & Science Olympiad | Korean American 1.5 Gen

    MAR 31

    Willy, Pt. 2: Hagwons, Cultural Brokering, & Science Olympiad | Korean American 1.5 Gen

    In the second half of our conversation with Willy, a 28-year-old biomedical researcher, we shift from the historical foundations of his family’s past to the lived reality of the 1.5 generation experience. This episode explores the high-stakes world of the South Korean education system and the invisible labor of children who serve as the primary bridge between two cultures. From the late-night intensity of Hagwons to the competitive stage of the Science Olympiad, Willy’s story reveals how external feedback and cultural expectations shape a child’s path toward a career in STEM. We also dive into the complex role of the cultural broker—the 1.5 and second-generation immigrant children who navigate adult systems like banking, healthcare, and telecommunications for their immigrant parents. In This Episode, We Explore: The 1.5 Generation Experience: Defining the unique identity of those born abroad but raised in the U.S., and the "two sides of the same coin" reality of navigating dual cultures.Hagwons & The Suneung: An inside look at the South Korean "cram school" culture and the national university entrance exam that defines student life.Cultural Brokering: The sophisticated—and often stressful—role of children as linguistic and procedural intermediaries for their families.The STEM Spark: How a pivotal experience in Science Olympiad transformed Willy’s self-perception and launched his journey into biomedical research.Linguistic Continuity: A look at Willy’s immersion in the Korean education system during his summers, including the study of Hanmun (classical Chinese characters) and how regular use kept his fluency sharp while living in the West.---------------- Support Season 3  In an era where diversity content is endangered, your support helps me keep featuring these beautiful global neighbors and their underrepresented perspectives. Join our community of supporters today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful ---------------- Watch on YouTube  See the video version of this episode [Live at 8AM EST]: https://youtu.be/UQhAWIR2P_I ---------------- Historical References & Sources  To maintain the integrity of our storytelling, we utilize peer-reviewed data and sociological research: Cultural Brokering: Research by Valdés (2003) and the UC Merced (2025) breakdown of language, procedural, and emotion brokering subtypes.1.5 Generation Identity: Cohort studies via the Harvard Immigration Initiative on acculturation and "hyphenated" identities.Korean Education System: Historical context on the Suneung and the evolution of the Hagwon industry in post-war South Korea.---------------- Connect with Willy IG: wj3pic ---------------- Episode Credits  Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Vinita and Guy, Asher, and Nate!  Host, Producer, Research & Sound Design: Jess Lin  Advising and Production Support: Ruben Gnanaruban Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    43 min
  7. Willy, Pt. 1: Korean Church, the Japanese Occupation, & the Grammar of Respect | Korean American

    MAR 17

    Willy, Pt. 1: Korean Church, the Japanese Occupation, & the Grammar of Respect | Korean American

    In this episode, we sit down with Willy, a 28-year-old biomedical researcher originally from Sacramento and currently living in Atlanta, to explore a lineage rooted in the resilient history of the Korean Peninsula. From the forced labor of the Japanese occupation to the enduring community structures of the Northern California delta, Willy's story is a map of the 1.5 generation experience. This conversation isn’t just a biography; it’s a deep dive into the historical backdrops of the 20th century—from the systematic linguistic hierarchy of the Joseon Dynasty to the unique community network of immigrant neighborhoods. In This Episode, We Explore: The Joseon Legacy: How a 500-year-old Neo-Confucian social order codified respect into the very grammar of the Korean language.Imperial Aftermath: The impact of the Japanese occupation (1910–1945) on Willy’s great grandparents and grandparents and the shifting geography of post-war South Korea.Community Dynamics: The role of the Korean Catholic church and Saturday language schools in Sacramento that defined Willy’s childhood.Systematic Hierarchy: Why Korean is one of the most grammatically pervasive methods of social coding in existence, and the reality of navigating those rules as a child.-------------------- Support Our Season 3 Fundraiser  We are in the final days of our fundraiser to build a platform for cross-cultural storytelling that builds empathy across generations. If you believe in our vision of a connected global neighborhood where no one is an outsider, please consider a contributing today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful -------------------- Watch on YouTube  See the video version of this episode: Link goes live at 5pm EST on 3/17/26: https://youtu.be/HTxL_VKdt-g -------------------- Historical References & Sources  To maintain the integrity of our storytelling, we utilize peer-reviewed historical data and archival records: Korean Honorifics: Sohn (2006) and Brown (2011) on the agglutinative nature of Korean social coding and its Neo-Confucian roots.The Japanese Occupation: Records of the 1910–1945 period via the National Archives of Korea.Post-War Migration: Research on the "1.5 Generation" and Korean-American religious enclaves via the Journal of Korean-American Studies.-------------------- Connect with Willy IG: wj3pic Episode Credits Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Martina and Hope, Maggie, and Han! Host, Producer, Research & Sound Design: Jess Lin  Advising and Production Support: Ruben Gnanaruban Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    46 min
  8. BONUS: Extra Gems with Jin - Elite Training in China & Finding Flow

    MAR 10 ·  BONUS

    BONUS: Extra Gems with Jin - Elite Training in China & Finding Flow

    Taking a little extra time this week to get our next full episode ready, so today I’m sharing our first-ever "Extra Gems" bonus segment! In this episode, we’re diving back into my conversation with Jin to share a few stories that were too good to keep in the vault. Jin takes us back to her childhood training at elite youth ping pong centers in Beijing and reflects on the beautiful consistency of her mentor, Uncle George. We also talk about the "flow state" of returning to the sport postpartum and the magic of finding your agility again through practice. We’ll be back next Tuesday with a new guest and story! In this bonus segment, we discuss: Traveling to China as a middle schooler for elite athletic training.The life lessons learned from long-term mentorship.The feeling of "flow" and getting your body back into the rhythm of the game.Read the Blog Post: Here  Join the Email List: Here  Support Our Mission: Become a Season 3 Supporter If you believe in our vision of a connected global neighborhood where no one is an outsider, please consider becoming a Season 3 Supporter. Your contribution keeps these co-created memoirs independent, accessible, and powered by neighbors. Become a Supporter today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful -------------------- Watch on YouTube: Goes live at 10am EST Mar 10, 2026: https://youtu.be/bUi-Q3kxDVQ -------------------- Episode Credits Host, Producer, Research & Sound Design: Jess Lin Advising and Production Support: Ruben Gnanaruban Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful  Website: https://linktr.ee/cultureful Cultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful. Thanks for being here!

    11 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

American Writing Awards’ 2026 Podcast of the Year Award Winner What was it like for a Colombian lawyer growing up in a small town and then immigrating to the U.S.?  How did a Jewish New Yorker put her kids in Jewish school and why?  What was it like to have three weddings as a Bengali American?  These are the kinds of personal interviews on Cultureful.  Living, breathing, everyday you and me culture.  It's a kind of traveling and getting past the surface.  People from around the world sharing personal experiences in their own words.  Host Jess Lin (she, her), is a multilingual Taiwanese American who has spent many years abroad, off the beaten-path.  On Cultureful, she interviews friends and other guests about major life events and stages like childhood, dating, weddings, parenting, and immigration journeys.  She is also curious about the everyday- what people cook, what they do for fun, what friendship is like for them.  Hope you enjoy meeting the people she connects with. Follow on instagram @thecultureful

Information

  • Creator
    Cultureful | Cultural Storytelling & Identity
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cultureful
  • Show Website
    Cultureful

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