Yin & Young Podcast Yin & Young

We’re so happy to have Aileen Cho, a licensed therapist based in the Southern California area, as our guest this episode! Aileen is a 2nd generation Korean-American clinician that offers psychotherapeutic services in both English and Korean. In this podcast (a first for Aileen) she shares her personal and professional insight into intergenerational trauma, marriage challenges, and the various ways she helps individuals to find their own way to heal.

Aileen’s website: https://www.aileenbcho.com/
Contact Aileen (currently not accepting new clients until Sept. 2024): aileen@aileenbcho.com

Highlights:
00:00 James gives a brief intro of Aileen. They met at the Asian American Theater Festival at UCSD.

01:45 We do a check-in. Aileen is very pregnant.

04:25 Born in LA, her mother's family were North Korean refugees and shares a story about her paternal grandfather who was sold as a child slave to a Japanese family.

07:00 Discusses how she was born into intergenerational trauma due to her family’s history. She is the keeper of stories for her family.

09:45 Started off in acting and theater in college, while also going to therapy.

11:25 After college: Her shift to the mental health field and eventually getting her Master’s in Drama Therapy.

12:40 Intergenerational trauma:
Separation of North and South Korea. The way we rear children is influenced by our own trauma.

16:00 Advice to young people deciding about whether to go to therapy.

20:20 How were your first steps into therapy?

23:11 Finds that Korean American therapists are rare in her field and overall there’s a dearth of Asian American therapists.

25:25 More Asian Americans are going into clinical practice as well as seeking therapy. Most of her clients are now Asian Americans.

28:27 Mental health issues particular to Asian Americans.

31:55 Aileen’s Time Capsule Theory in regards to immigrants and the children of immigrants.

36:10 How to get boomer parents into family therapy.

37:35 How has being a therapist and going to therapy affected your own relationships?

40:50 Challenges with married life.

48:05 Communication issues with couples.

49:50 In the current social climate, the pressures of expectations of marriage has never been higher. Recommends Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel.

57:27 Collective grief and drama therapy.

What do you to stay balanced? (59:40)

Language corner （01:02:27):
Circumstances that bring people meant for each other together; destiny; connection.
- Mandarin: 緣分 (yuánfèn)
- Korean: 인연 (inyeon)

Empathy*
- Korean: 공감 (gong-gam). From the hanja 共感, gung6gam2 in Cantonese, gònggǎn in Mandarin.

*Aileen shares that the word “empathy” comes from the Greek words “in” (em) and “feeling” (pathos). Compare this to Korean, empathy = 공감, which is “communal" (공/共) + “feeling” (감/感). Shows individualistic vs collectivist cultural differences in the languages.

01:09:17 Aileen and her husband have inherited her mom’s secret kimchi recipe.

———

Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Email: yinyoungpodcast@gmail.com

Writer Peter Kageyama joins Yin & Young again to talk about MIDNIGHT CLIMAX the second novel of the Kats Takemoto series. Peter joined us last time (EP 66) discussing HUNTERS POINT the first Kats Takemoto novel and in this book we delve more into Kats wartime past, Chinatown gangs, and secret government mind control experiments. Peter shares insight into the writing process of this novel and what is important to him as a writer.

Highlights:
- 00:11 Intro: photo of Peter’s dad by Dorothea Lange and Feodor Chin is the voice actor for Peter’s novels.
- 03:35 Reintroducing Peter and his first novel Hunters Point which podcasted about a year ago.
- 07:00 Yokohama is one of Dan's favorite places and Peter’s family origins are from the area.
- 07:55 Midnight Climax is Peter's latest book. Promoting a book runs contrary to the writing process.
- 10:00 Peter’s process for writing. Peter has places where he feels comfortable writing.
- 11:45 Thoughts on “writer’s block.” Writing the 3rd book has been more challenging.
- 15:40 In the process of moving in Florida.
- 17:00 “No-No Boy” by John Okada as testament to conscientious dissent.
- 19:20 Kats is not anti-government, but he doesn’t like bullies.
- 21:45 Officer Blackstone in the book is a real person and Kats is drawn to other principled characters like him.
- 23:13 How to write about historical figures. Peter connected with a relative of Shig Murao via Instagram.
- 26:54 Fell in love with the characters. Researched PTSD to flesh out the characters better.
- 30:05 Tours of Chinatown helped inspire the writings of the place in the book.
- 32:00 Learning about languages for the book. Utilized Wikipedia for some different terms of the time. Distinctions between Mandarin & Cantonese.
- 36:00 How to write about ethnic characters without playing into stereotypes, particularly the Chinese prostitute character.
- 42:17 The guys talk about why they started studying martial arts
- 46:20 Peter discusses the CIA experiments of the 1960s
- 51:10 Themes of love and friendship.
- 52:57 Dorothea Lange’s picture of Peter’s father who was an inspiration for Kats.
- 57:58 Discussion of sports leagues that came from internment camps. Repercussions of Japanese internment.
- 01:05:25 Staying balanced: Board games and exercise.

Language corner (01:17:20)
Cantonese
- 鬼婆 gwei po - devil old lady. Derogatory term for white women.
- 鬼佬 gwei lo - foreigner
Scottish
- Hurkle-Durkle - to lay about in bed long after the time to get up.
Mandarin
- 舊金山 - jiùjīnshān - literally: old gold mountain which means San Francisco.

Peter Kageyama’s links:
- Website: https://peterkageyama.com/
- Peter’s non-fiction work on urban planning and communities: https://www.fortheloveofcities.com

Other links:
- Peter’s 1st appearance on the Yin & Young Podcast EP66 discussing HUNTERS POINT - https://youtu.be/el10M-hBdVI?si=2bKzcRffOm2CDhdW
- Feodor Chin returns to voice MIDNIGHT CLIMAX - https://peterkageyama.com/audiobook-now-available-feodor-chin-returns/
- Our podcast with Feodor: https://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/2017/12/3/yin-young-ep24-feodor-chin
- San Francisco City Guides (tours of San Francisco): https://sfcityguides.org/
- Thai artist featured on Peter’s wall, Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong: https://tonyeitharong.com/

———

Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

Welcome back Yin & Young listeners! It’s been a long time since our last episode; Young was busy with his wedding (congrats!) but now that’s done, we’re happy to be back with guest Daniel Tong! Daniel is an editor based in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. Daniel has a passion for editing and shares his journey finding his place in the filmmaking industry.

Highlights:
01:56 Young ran into Daniel at a high school reunion.
05:50 Daniel’s family is ethnically Chinese from Burma.
07:15 Shares the start of his love for movies and the arts.
10:04 Young and Daniel rehash one of their early film projects in high school for French class (Godzilla appears).
12:07 Shares the initial push back he got from his immigrant parents about wanting to pursue filmmaking. 
14:10 His start in film as an undergrad and then grad school.
21:55 Discusses his thoughts on film school and how he found his place in film there.
28:30 The importance of networking.
32:30 Gives insight into working at Pixar as a contractor.
42:40 Becoming a Pixar Online Editor during the pandemic.
44:30 The difference between an online and a offline editor.
47:40 Issues using different editing programs in the workflow.
52:20 Daniel's preferred editing application and the benefits/drawbacks of each of them.
57:04 Editing in the gaming industry.
01:01:00 His desire for leadership experience and his first leadership role at Blizzard.
01:02:50 Getting through the Blizzard interviews having not played the games, but now obsessed with them (World of Warcraft, Diablo, etc…).
01:05:40 His experience working on the documentaries for “Coco” and “Turning Red” and why he connected with them deeply.
01:13:49 Yin’s plans for his kids going to college.
01:14:43 Discussion about famous editor Walter Murch’s book “In a Blink of an Eye” and Daniel’s own approach to editing and assistant editing.
01:28:29 Language corner (see below). We also go over the origin of KFC popularity in Japan during Christmas and chat about Del Taco ramen and Donald Glover’s boba shop.
01:34:01 Projects that Daniel is working on (see below for links).
01:35:23 Shout outs. Pursue your passion.

Language corner: 
* Young - KFC is "Kenta” (ケンタ) for short in Japanese.
* Yin - 
渋滞 (じゅうたい juutai) - traffic jam
残業 (ざんぎょう zangyo) - overtime

Daniel Tong’s links:
Website: https://danieltongeditor.weebly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieltongeditor

Recent and current projects Daniel Tong has edited/assistant edited on:
* No Room For Love - Filipino American web series, https://www.instagram.com/noroom_forlove
* Creature Comforter - a short horror comedy mockumentary, https://www.instagram.com/bravemakerorg
* Release the Beast by Ryzo Studios -  An artistic but timid boy who learns to defend himself against bullies from the characters he creates for his video games. https://www.ryzo.studio/
* Junho - a former theater actor from Korea tries to outrun his past: https://youtu.be/FShHTubEpkI?si=3SfXAK01tab4-h0_
* “Always in My Head” - music video by Filipino American music artist Garth Garcia: https://youtu.be/nv7fuOCBX_k

———

Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast 

In this episode Dan (Yin) and James (Young) share their experiences with married life. Dan gives his perspective as someone who has been married longer and also has children. In contrast, James, who’s newly married, shares some of his feelings transitioning into married life.


Highlights:
* No real major changes for Young after marriage, but there are some nuanced shifts in family dynamics with Young, his parents, and the in-laws
* Compromises to create more quality time with one’s partner, while still managing some time for hobbies.
* Figuring out each other’s palette when cooking.
* Discussion about ramen flavors.
* Adjusting to budgets and spending money as a couple
* Doing martial arts at an older age requires a shift in thought.
* Accepting the valuable experience of living in semi-rural Japan.
* Regrets and the concept of time.

Language corner: Japanese
* 日日是好日 - nichi nichi kore kou jitsu (aslo pronounced: hi bi kore kou jitsu) - every day is a good day, enjoy each day (even the “bad” ones).
* 豚小屋 - buta go ya - pigsty [insult when referring to a person's room]

———

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpod...
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkvtVW6pVPeKFn7H_6ai8lA

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Questions, comments, sponsors—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

In this episode we had the privilege to chat with Hong Kong-based artist Kelly Hebestreit! Kelly does creative, introspective work in photography, poetry, film, and many other mediums. Her work explores such things as local neighborhoods, cultural identity, and the heartbreak behind someone not taking off their shoes.

Kelly's Website: https://kellyhebestreit.cargo.site/
Kelly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbystripes/

Highlights:
- Kelly and James connected at the Taiwanese American Film Festival back in 2016.
- Held an intimate art installation show, "Satellite," in 2021 and released a related zine.
- Reflections on life in America and an incident with her ex.
- Part of the Zaazaaaa Collective, an art commune in Hong Kong (HK).
- Background: Grew up in HK, father is German, mother is Taiwanese
- Father is in the textile industry.
- Moved back to HK during the pandemic and can appreciate the city after living abroad.
- Enjoyed studying abroad in Tokyo, but mentions why she probably wouldn't live there long term.
- How Osaka people remind her of HK people and why she likes both.
- Shares situations where she's benefitted from white privilege in HK.

Language corner:
- 好八卦 (hou2 baat3-gwaa3) - So nosy! [Cantonese. The bagua is an ancient eight trigram symbol.]
- 唔該 （mm goy） - Thanks! Excuse me. [Cantonese.]
- 多謝 （doh jeh） - Thank you. [Cantonese.]
- 猴囡仔 (kâu-gín-á) - little monkey(s). [Taiwanese. Similar to "little rascals" or "you crazy kids."
- 半斤八兩 (bànjīnbāliǎng) - tweedledee and tweedledum. [Mandarin. Similar to 猴囡仔.]

———

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Questions, comments, sponsors—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com

Yin & Young the podcast is back with a new episode with writer Peter Kageyama! Peter is a writer whose latest book, 1950s noir thriller “Hunter’s Point” featuring Asian American lead characters, recently became an Amazon bestseller. In this episode we discuss Peter’s background as a Sansei (third generation Japanese American), his work in non-fiction (For the Love of Cities) and fiction, and much more.

Peter’s website: peterkageyama.com
Peter’s non-fiction work: /www.fortheloveofcities.com

Highlights:
- Peter shares a bit of historical background about Hunter’s Point, San Francisco.
- Peter grew up in Akron, Ohio, stood out as one of the few (if not only) mixed race kids in the neighborhood.
- Is known for his work on urban development and city planning (For the Love of Cities) and is now writing fiction.
- Father was a Nisei (2nd generation Japanese American) who was interned along with his family during World War 2 in the U.S.
- “Hunter’s Point” was written as a kind of conversation with his father. Father was reserved and did not talk about his time in the camps or in the U.S. military.
- Shig Murao, City Lights bookstore manager in the 1950s, plays an important role in the book and in the real world Beat scene.
- How ones parent’s language is lost with each generation.
- More accepting of his mixed race heritage and how this book helped him reconnect with his Japanese heritage.
- Being Japanese vs being Japanese American.
- How rare/taboo it was to see Asian men marry white women during the 1950s.
- Currently writing a sequel to “Hunter’s Point.”

Book Recommendations:
- Peter recommends: Facing the Mountain (Daniel James Brown) about Japanese internment.
- James recommends No-No Boy (John Okada) about a Japanese American that refused to be drafted into the U.S. military.

Language corner:
- 反抗期 - hankouki: rebellious phase
- 恩 on: obligation (benevolent)
- 義理 giri: obligation (social, honorable)
- sussy baka: silly stupid (a term kids use when gaming to describe ridiculous behavior). Combines “suspect” with “baka” (馬鹿) which is Japanese for fool.
- 失敗 - shippai: mistake; darn!

———

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast

Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast

Questions, comments, sponsors—email: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com