31 episodes

An award-winning podcast about modern-day artifacts of Asian American life, hosted by poet and museologist Shin Yu Pai.

Ten Thousand Things with Shin Yu Pai KUOW News and Information

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.4 • 89 Ratings

An award-winning podcast about modern-day artifacts of Asian American life, hosted by poet and museologist Shin Yu Pai.

    Inheriting (Special Episode)

    Inheriting (Special Episode)

    This is an episode from a podcast called Inheriting from our friends at LAist Studios and the NPR Network. Hosted by NPR's Emily Kwong. Inheriting is a show about Asian American and Pacific Islander families, exploring how a single event can ripple through generations.
    Bảo Trương’s parents both fled Vietnam in 1975 following the war. His father Thuận was a pilot for the South Vietnamese Air Force and left the day before the Fall of Saigon, evacuating almost 100 people to Thailand on a plane. Thuận has now been settled in the U.S. for decades, but he still writes songs mourning the Vietnam of his childhood – a country that, to him, no longer exists because it is still under a communist government. On the flipside, his son Bảo wants to live in the Vietnam of today, a yearning his father doesn’t understand. In this episode, the father and son sit down for a frank conversation about the country they both long for, in different ways. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 46 min
    East Kong Yick Building

    East Kong Yick Building

    The E. Kong Yick building houses the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the country, The Wing Luke Museum. And it’s an anchor in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. The Wing began in an old mechanic’s garage, exhibiting old folk-art relics from Asia. This episode tells the story of how The Wing transformed from a traditional museum into a BIPOC-owned building, community, and movement … and how people responded when it was threatened. 
    ***
    This episode of Ten Thousand Things is about the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle. It was recorded before 26 members of its 52-person staff walked out on May 22nd, in protest of a new exhibition entitled “Confronting Hate Together.” 
    Staff returned May 29 and leadership continues to work to resolve the dispute. As of June 18, the museum is operating with limited hours. 
    As you’re about to hear, The Wing is a beloved Seattle institution that has been no stranger to turmoil and disruption. Regardless, its strong relationship to the community has allowed it to grow and thrive.
    If you want to learn more:
    Wing Luke exhibit shows how Black, Asian, and Jewish Seattleites confront hate together  With 'heart, sensitivity, and delicacy,' Wing Luke Museum plans to re-open after staff walkout  Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum closed after staff say exhibit 'frames Palestinian liberation' as antisemitism  Ten Thousand Things is produced by KUOW in Seattle. Our host, writer, and creator is Shin Yu Pai. Whitney Henry-Lester produced this episode. Jim Gates is our editor. Tomo Nakayama wrote our theme music. Additional music in this episode by Ben Noble, Christopher Wohrle, From Somewhere Quiet.
    And of course, we don't exist without listeners like you. Support Ten Thousand Things by donating to KUOW.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 24 min
    Tree

    Tree

    Some trees are just special. One tree in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District has reached legendary status. The loquat tree is an artifact of the Engs, a pioneer Chinese-American family who planted the fruit seed in their front yard. The tree has thrived for over 60 years, nourishing the family and the community. Now, it stands as a legacy tree in the C-ID, accessible to a new generation and the tree’s arboreal descendants grow all over the city, forming their own non-human diaspora.
     
    Ten Thousand Things is produced by KUOW in Seattle. Our host, writer, and creator is Shin Yu Pai. Whitney Henry-Lester produced this episode. Jim Gates is our editor. Tomo Nakayama wrote our theme music. Additional music in this episode by Ben Noble, Christopher Wohrle, From Somewhere Quiet.
    And of course, we don't exist without listeners like you. Support Ten Thousand Things by donating to KUOW.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 15 min
    Ube Cheesecake

    Ube Cheesecake

    This is the sweet story of a viral and photogenic ube cheesecake. To many Filipino-Americans, ube is not a trend. It’s a staple. Yet here in the United States, it was known for decades as an ethnic specialty ingredient. That is, until Chera Amlag got her hands on it and made it the star of her Hood Famous cheesecake. When Chera’s homemade ube cheesecake became a culinary phenomenon, ube was transformed. Chera’s cheesecake put Filipino culture and identity in the spotlight through her imaginative use of ube. And her collaborative approach has strengthened the Filipino-American community. 
     
     
    Ten Thousand Things is produced by KUOW in Seattle. Our host, writer, and creator is Shin Yu Pai. Whitney Henry-Lester produced this episode. Jim Gates is our editor. Tomo Nakayama wrote our theme music. Additional music in this episode by Young Collective, Olive James, Sonny Oh, N. Kerbin.
    And of course, we don't exist without listeners like you. Support Ten Thousand Things by donating to KUOW.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 16 min
    Tatung Cooker

    Tatung Cooker

    When Tiffany Ran left for college, her mom gifted her a Tatung cooker. The Tatung is a unique kitchen appliance that would be familiar to anyone with ties to Taiwan. Everyone uses it slightly differently, as its versatility is passed down by word of mouth. Tiffany’s Tatung has accompanied her throughout the chapters of her unfolding adulthood. It has offered nourishment and comfort to her through the years, from broths to rice to Eggo waffles (not recommended). And it is the foundation of her burgeoning culinary career. 
     
    Ten Thousand Things is produced by KUOW in Seattle. Our host, writer, and creator is Shin Yu Pai. Whitney Henry-Lester produced this episode. Jim Gates is our editor. Tomo Nakayama wrote our theme music. Additional music in this episode by Young Collective, Jonny Southard, N. Kerbin.
    And of course, we don't exist without listeners like you. Support Ten Thousand Things by donating to KUOW.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 22 min
    Settlement

    Settlement

    Janet Lee, a freshman at Bryn Mawr, was heading home for Christmas break when she was detained by the police for alleged drug smuggling. Janet wasn’t carrying any drugs. But the treatment she received from the Philadelphia police department and from her own community would change her life forever. In this episode, we’ll explore the pain of being accused of being someone you are not and fighting to reclaim the story that sets the record straight.
     
    Ten Thousand Things is produced by KUOW in Seattle. Our host, writer, and creator is Shin Yu Pai. Whitney Henry-Lester produced this episode. Jim Gates is our editor. Tomo Nakayama wrote our theme music. Additional music in this episode by Abigail Osborn, PRAANA, Wild Pony, Brique a Braq, Jordan Critz.
    And of course, we don't exist without listeners like you. Support Ten Thousand Things by donating to KUOW.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
89 Ratings

89 Ratings

Zizzabet ,

Thnx KUOW! This is a Keeper!

So glad i finally tuned in after hearing a
few props (ads?) for Ten Thousand Things on KIOW. Delightful! I think i’m going to have to binge listen today while working in garden. The production style - not loud, bombastic or heavy in any way but rather a very pleasant, calming and soothing way to present story and information. Please keep it coming!

WordNerdMJ ,

Beautiful storytelling about the Asian American experience

I love that this podcast explores the complexity and the diversity of the Asian American experience. I find comfort and solidarity in listening to stories that are both like — and unlike — my own. Asian stories are American stories, and I’m so glad this podcast exists to share them with the world!

Hulikang ,

Poetic and meaningful!!

I can’t believe I waited this long to listen to this podcast! It’s a precious gem amongst the many many podcasts out there. Thoughtfully written and recorded by Shin Yu Pai, Seattle’s current poet laureate; each episode is its own unique work of prose that illuminates a facet of American life through objects and the moving stories behind them. While the stories are often told by those of Asian descent, what I find compelling is the universality of the feelings and lessons shared in the stories - the underlying theme of resilience/perseverence is one that everyone can relate to. I am also obsessed with the calming effect of Shin Yu’s gentle narration, right up there for me with my other favorite podcaster voice Shankar Vedantum. Thank you for putting out high quality art in this platform!!!

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