Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry Podcast

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Christina Kim, titled "Bridging the Gap: Spiritual Growth in Times of Conflict and Transition," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-f...

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Sonia Prasadam, titled "Being Imperfect Parents: Transforming Parental Anxiety and Shame to Nurture Secure Children," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/acad...

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David Chao interviews Tommy Dyo, a leader in Asian American ministry with Epic, to discuss intergenerational trauma, family history, and faith. Tommy shares his personal journey of uncovering his Japanese American heritage, including his family's incarceration during World War II, his grandfather’s experiences as a U.S. veteran, and the lasting impact of t...

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Julia Lee, titled "How Not to Die: All the Way to the Bitter/Better End," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-chri...

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Sonia Prasadam, titled "The Grip of Perfectionism and the Freedom of Grace," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-m...

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Carissa Dwiwardani, titled "Liminality and Relational Wholeness in a Fallen World," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity...

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Sangeetha Thomas, titled "Navigating Death and Meaning: Life Transitions, Trauma, and Faith in Asian American Mental Health," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/cent...

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back psychotherapist Sangeetha Thomas, owner of Nepsis Counseling in Dallas, Texas. David and Sangeetha revisit key themes from their earlier conversation, including the challenging topic of death and loss, and expand on how individuals and communities can navigate mental well-being within a faith-centere...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Liou joins David Chao to explore the complexities of ministry to Asian American Gen Z Christians. Reflecting on generational shifts, Jeff examines how cultural, vocational, and racial dynamics shape the faith journeys of young Asian Americans today. The conversation ranges from the evolving challenges of ethnic-specific ministry to the pressures of racial capitalism and t...

The podcast, featuring Dr. Jonathan Tran and Dr. David Chao, examines recent developments in Asian American theology, highlighting its growing visibility alongside persistent challenges in penetrating mainstream theological discourse. Dr. Tran underscores the need to shift focus from dominant institutions to community-centered initiatives, recognizing the decline of interest in systematic theology...

Dr. KC Choi, Kyungchik Han Chair Professor of Asian American Theology at Princeton Seminary, discusses his groundbreaking book Disciplined by Race: Theological Ethics and the Problem of Asian American Identity . Hosted by David Chao and Yanan Melo from the Center for Asian American Christianity, this dialogue explores the intersections of theology, ethics, and race, offering profound insights into...

This panel discussion is a part of the October 7 event “Asian Americans and the Presidential Election,” hosted by the Center for Asian American Christianity. The panelists, moderated by director of the CAAC David Chao, are Jerry Park (Baylor University), Khyati Joshi (Fairleigh Dickinson University), and Hyepin Im (Faith and Community Empowerment). The panelists delve into how Asian American leade...

Dr. Khyati Joshi, co-founder of the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice, delves into themes of race, religion, and immigration in the U.S. She brings expertise in diversity, equity, and social justice, guiding educators, policymakers, and community leaders on recognizing and addressing systemic biases. Her talk emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the tools necessar...

Dr. Jerry Park’s presentation examines Asian American political views through the lens of religion and White Christian Nationalism (WCN). His findings reveal that Asian American conservative Protestants show moderate support for WCN, which influenced their preference for Trump in the 2020 election. However, WCN support is not limited to conservative Christians, as Asian American Muslims, atheists,...

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. David Chao sits down with Dr. Justin Tse, Assistant Professor of Religion and Culture at Singapore Management University, to delve into his new book, Sheets of Scattered Sand: Cantonese Protestants and the Secular Dream of the Pacific Rim . Together, they explore the complex intersections of faith, identity, and politics in transpacific Chinese Christian commun...

In this episode, Jeff Liou joins David Chao and Yanan Rahim Melo to delve into the intersections of race, critical theory, and faith within the church. Jeff reflects on his personal journey from racial reconciliation work to deeper power analysis, unpacking how critical race theory (CRT) can reshape the church’s approach to justice. He shares insights on navigating the often-controversial terrain...

In this episode David Chao sits down with Jonathan Tran, Associate Dean for Faculty and Associate Professor of Theology and Great Texts at the Honors College, Baylor University, to explore themes from his book, Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism. Together, they dive into the complexities of racial capitalism, Asian American identity, and the role of faith in navigating these syste...

In this episode, Nate Samayo reflects with David Chao on his journey back to Guam and explores the deep connection between land, indigenous practices, and community. He discusses how traditional practices like weaving, carving, and medicine walks help reestablish a relationship with the land, challenging imperial and colonial structures. Nate shares his personal experiences and the importance of r...

In this episode, David C. Chao talks with Sangeetha Thomas, psychotherapist and owner of Nepsis Counseling . They discuss the topics of death and grief and how this relates specifically to an Asian American Christian audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, Dr. David Chao and Dr. Easten Law discuss World Christianity, ethnography, and migration. Dr. Law explains his research with Chinese Christians and the idea of lived theology. They discuss how ethnography can affect how we understand the use of doctrine in our theology. We had some audio difficulties so we apologize for the poor sound quality. This is a pu...

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Albert Chu and Ross Lockhart, co-authors of Christianity: An Asian Religion in Vancouver . They discuss the religious context of Vancouver and the ways in which Christianity is changing alongside the growing migration of Christians from Asia. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

In this two-part episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Aaron Stauffer, Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. David and Aaron discuss the importance of attending to the spirit of our communities toward the pursuit of better solidarities, relationalities, and reciprocities along lines of difference. This...

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Nathan Samayo, PhD student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Nathan Samayo is pursuing a PhD in Religion and Society. David and Nathan discuss his current trip to Guam, where Nathan is originally from. They discuss his personal history and how it intersects with his current research interests. Additional resources: Kelly Brown Dou...

This workshop is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference “Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation.” Discernment and the Will of God by Sharon Wada and Carrie Myers, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ . Abstract: Wise deci...

This workshop is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." “Kingdom Values-Driven Parenting” by Ming and Mako Nagasawa, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: ⁠ https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference . Abstract: What is good...