106 episodes

Three trailblazing Asian American women in TV journalism and Hollywood join forces to rattle some cages and dismantle tired old stereotypes about race, age, sex and culture. Award-winning journalist May Lee and actresses Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomita (a.k.a. MKT) take on topics that aren't often discussed in the most open, authentic and, sometimes, hilarious way because they are unafraid to be fully themselves. They're all 50+ and fabulous so they got nothing to hide and they are beyond the point of caring about what other people think! So take your Shoes Off Inside and join MKT to engage, contribute, challenge and, most importantly, have fun! Lots and lots of FUN!

Shoes Off Inside with MKT (fka The May Lee Show‪)‬ Shoes Off Inside with MKT

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 67 Ratings

Three trailblazing Asian American women in TV journalism and Hollywood join forces to rattle some cages and dismantle tired old stereotypes about race, age, sex and culture. Award-winning journalist May Lee and actresses Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomita (a.k.a. MKT) take on topics that aren't often discussed in the most open, authentic and, sometimes, hilarious way because they are unafraid to be fully themselves. They're all 50+ and fabulous so they got nothing to hide and they are beyond the point of caring about what other people think! So take your Shoes Off Inside and join MKT to engage, contribute, challenge and, most importantly, have fun! Lots and lots of FUN!

    EP 21 - Words Matter, or Do They?

    EP 21 - Words Matter, or Do They?

    At the heart of this episode is the hotly debated issue of the "coddled" generation. These are Gen Z'ers and, now, Gen Alpha who have been overprotected by parents from the real world with all of it's challenges, pain, and dangers. But ironcially, these same kids have been severely underprotected from social media. According to psychologist and NYU professor, Jonathan Haidt, this combination has led to a multitude of problems including depression and self-harm as well as a complete lack of accountibility. Social media has created an entire generation of addicted "keyboard warriors", who hide behind their devices and say whatever they want without reprecussions. This behaviour manifests in other areas. May shares her firsthand experience as a university professor who has battled this lack of accountability among students. Recently, she was the target of unfounded incidenary remarks and when she asked for university support, it was rejected. May, Kelly and Tamlyn talk about the reasons behind this kind of hostile and evasive behavior, and what we can do to slow and, perhaps, even avert the further breakdown of civility. 
    And on the lighter side, May has a very fun sneak peek of the first "Shoes Off Inside" swag! You won't want to miss it!!! SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!
    Show Info:
    https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/escaping-the-matrix/
    https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/safer-social-media-and-messaging-apps-for-kids
    https://outsideintheatre.org

    • 1 hr 5 min
    EP 20 - Daniel Henney and his True Love!!

    EP 20 - Daniel Henney and his True Love!!

    When it comes to movie stars with the full package, one of our Asian American brothers is at the top of that list...the one and only Daniel Henney! From starting as a model in the U.S. and Asia, to becoming a full-blown heart throb on TV and film in South Korea and worldwide, Daniel continues to entertain the masses. He stars in the series "Wheel of Time" and has a new Korean movie coming out, "Dog Days", February 7th. But what makes him truly endearing is his authenticity and humility. He is as real and as grounded as they come. And if that's not enough, he's also a HUGE dog lover and has advocated for the humane treatment of dogs in South Korea. Daniel has been working with the Humane Society International in an effort to stop the dog meat trade in Korea, which just recently became reality when a new law to ban the trade of dogs was passed. In this episode, May, Kelly and Tamlyn talk openly with Daniel about this controversial topic as well why dogs are so personal to him AND a special someone makes an appearance during this episode! This is an episode you DO NOT want to miss! 

    For more info on Dog rescues in South Korea:
    https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/region/south-korea-2/
    https://www.instagram.com/dog_us_planet/
    https://www.instagram.com/d.u.p_adopt/

    • 1 hr 8 min
    EP 19 - Our Favorite Holiday Things!

    EP 19 - Our Favorite Holiday Things!

    It's time for our Favorite Things Gift List just in time for last minute shoppers like May, Kelly and Tamlyn who haven't even begun! Once again, we are featuring everything from delicous food, both sweet and savory to holiday ornaments to organic wine to the first Asian American doll, and even a punk rock band! Many of the businesses we feature are API owned and share their profits with causes they care about. Along with sharing gift ideas, MKT also chitchat about U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas (that's why May and Kelly are together in this episode), wedding planning (including how many times we've been bridesmaids), new year's goals and...here's a teaser...Kelly introduces us to her ficus plant "Norma Jean". You DEFINITELY want to see why it has that name!! 

    Links to all gift ideas featured in the show:

    Kelly Hu's List:
    www.drinktinto.com
    www.shop.momofuku.com
    www.asianamericangirlclub.com
    www.houseofmanaup.com
    www.sugarbirdsweets.com

    Tamlyn's List:
    www.houseofhara.com
    www.edibol.com
    www.vho7v.com
    www.thesill.com

    May's List:
    www.eatfoodologie.com
    www.jillybing.com
    www.lemieuxskincare.com
    www.socialbutterflieslosangeles.com
    www.traderjoes.com

    • 1 hr 8 min
    EP 18 - Multigenerational Living and Senior Scams!

    EP 18 - Multigenerational Living and Senior Scams!

    The numbers don't lie...the senior population is booming while the younger generation is shrinking due to fewer and fewer people having children. That means there is a growing need for caregiving within families, which is leading to more multigenerational households. That's nothing new for Asian families, but we're seeing this trend of multigenerational living increase across all communities and that's changing the way physical homes are being built, remodeled and outfitted. Our Kelly Hu just bought a home with plans for her parents moving in when the time comes so this hits close to home! Also, with more seniors, that means more senior scams! These horrible scammers prey on our vulnerable, sometimes, lonely elders using all sorts of devious tactics. In this latest episode sponsored by AARP, we talk with Senior VP of Caregiving and Health at AARP, Tricia Sandiego, about multigenerational living and what options are out there for childless people like May, Kelly and Tamlyn and they prepare for their "golden years". We also delve into the dark underbelly of senior scams, which totaled $9 billion last year. Denise Oki of the Federal Trade Commission gives us useful tips on how to help our loved ones. You'll be shocked to hear some of the most heartbreaking stories of elderly being cheated out of their life savings. As we say in the show, "There is a special place in HELL for people who scam seniors."

    More Info:

    AARP
    https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
    https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2021/tips-for-aging-independently.html

    FTC
    https://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
    https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/
    https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/languages
    https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail
    https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts
    Pass It On education campaign: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on

    • 1 hr 6 min
    EP 17 - Tribute to Eggy the Rescue Dog

    EP 17 - Tribute to Eggy the Rescue Dog

    For many of you who have been watching and listening to this show, you've gotten to know May's Golden Retriever, Eggy, pretty well. She would often make cameo appearances during the show knowing exactly where the camera was. Eggy's story, like many rescue dogs, is amazingly touching and inspiring. On October 14 2023, Eggy crossed the rainbow bridge after nearly 16 years. May wanted to take a few minutes at the start of this episode to honor her fur baby and share Eggy's story. Tamlyn and Kelly join May after the memoriam to talk about Tamlyn's theatrical escapades with a run in East West Players production of  "Spring Awakening", which opens Oct. 29 in Los Angeles. Kelly gives us an update on her big move to Las Vegas and how her high school calvary came to the rescue! And May shares details about her recent engagement party and how she almost fell for the pressure of throwing a fancy, expensive, formal affair and, instead, chose a more personal route. (Hint, she made the right choice.)

    Please subscribe to this channel to get updates on the show! You can also listen wherever you get your podcasts. Rate and review our show!!

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Ep 16 - Summer's Over! Let's Talk Business with Le Mieux's Janel Luu

    Ep 16 - Summer's Over! Let's Talk Business with Le Mieux's Janel Luu

    The ladies of "Shoes Off Inside" took an unintentional break for part of the summer, but that's not a bad thing, especially for Kelly Hu, who traversed Europe, then felt the "burn" and mud at "Burning Man". Meanwhile, Tamlyn was busy attending and emceeing various events elevating the API and Japanese American communities. And May was gearing up for her new position as full-time professor at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. The thing about taking a break is that SO MUCH HAPPENS during that time! So, there was A LOT to catch up on including the continuing Hollywood strike and the Maui Fires. But this episode also celebrates the boldness and courage of one API female entrepreneur, Janel Luu, Founder and CEO of Le Mieux. "Shoes Off Inside" LOVES spotlighting Asian women who don't let traditional stereotypes get in the way of going what we want the way we want to! Janel is living proof of that. And we should note, Le Mieux stepped up to the the FIRST official sponsor of this show on faith and belief in the concept alone. The sisterhood is strong! 
    Please subscribe to this show and rate and review us!

    Thank you to our sponsor Le Mieux. For more info go to www.lemieuxskincare.com

    • 1 hr 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
67 Ratings

67 Ratings

DateableDater ,

May is so inspirational

This show pumps me every time. May is so inspirational and she has such compelling insights into current events. I love how passionate she is about AAPI issues! Love this show!

Choiboy312 ,

So much depth

Congratulations on 1 year and for your continued drive to bring these topics germane to all Americans alike. I appreciate the range of guests and intensity of topics.

MrsPinkHelloKitty ,

Love Your Podcasts!

I have listened to quite a few of your podcasts now and watched your You Tube videos! I’m
so happy to have found your video by accident! Thank you for sharing stories on Asians and all the people you have interviewed and topics of what we go through. I’m Asian American...and I’m 55, and Happy this exist now! I’m looking forward to watching and listening to more from you 2021!!

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