Big Asian Energy

In this spontaneous street encounter turned deep conversation, John Wang sits down with internationally renowned entrepreneur John Lee for an exploration of wealth creation, business psychology, and the future of entrepreneurship. Recorded on-site in Austin after a chance meeting, this episode dives into the mental frameworks that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle, and how...

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy , AAPI author and podcast host John Wang provides an in-depth psychological analysis of the Netflix phenomenon K-pop Demon Hunters. This animated film has broken streaming records worldwide while exploring themes of Asian American identity, intergenerational trauma, and mental health. John decodes the deeper meanings behind the demon-fighting storyline to r...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy , John Wang teams up with therapist and author Dr. Stacey Litam to analyze the deeper psychological themes in the animated film K-pop Demon Hunters. Through their analysis, they uncover how this seemingly simple story about demon-fighting K-pop stars reveals profound insights about cultural trauma, healing patterns, and authentic self-acceptance in Asian communi...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy , we sit down with actor, producer, and CEO Sean Dulake to explore his groundbreaking journey from stereotypical casting calls to starring in Amazon Prime's first American series shot entirely in South Korea. Sean opens up about his move from LA to Seoul, creating content that bridges cultures, and finding purpose through what he calls the "third culture perspec...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy , we sit down with author, musician, and former pin-up model Kaila Yu to uncover the truth about fetishization, representation, and reclaiming identity. Kaila opens up about her journey through rebellion and survival, why she wrote her memoir Fetishized , and how Asian American women are still fighting to be seen as individuals instead of stereotypes. What Kaila...

Vicky Tsai’s resume was flawless. Wellesley. Harvard Business School. Wall Street. Big brands like Procter & Gamble and Starbucks. But behind that picture-perfect career was the reality of quiet bias, vague feedback, and being told she did not have “leadership potential.” In this episode of Big Asian Energy , Vicky opens up about the toll of constantly feeling like she did not belong, and the...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy , we sit down with multi‑venture entrepreneur and community founder Misa Chien to unpack what leadership truly looks like when you build from authenticity—and face pressure from every angle. Misa shares what happened after her business imploded, how she redefined success at Harvard, and why she’s now protecting the space she built for Asian American women who le...

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy , we dive deep into the complex realities behind strict Asian parenting and explore how culture, achievement, and family dynamics continue to shape the Asian American experience. From tiger parenting to emotional healing, this episode unpacks the generational patterns many of us are still untangling today. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Confucian va...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy , we sit down with author, coach, and former journalist Nicole Tsong to unpack what visibility really means for Asian American women. Nicole shares insights from her Asian Visibility System , how cultural conditioning impacts self-worth and leadership, and why learning to receive help might be the most powerful skill we can reclaim. What Nicole Shares: How cultu...

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with journalist and author Ada Tseng to talk about what it really takes to break into Hollywood. From rejection and resilience to representation and real-world advice, Ada shares hard-won insights from years of covering the entertainment industry and uplifting Asian American voices. What Ada Shares: Breaking into Hollywood (especially for Asian Amer...

  In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with therapist and founder of The Men’s Therapy Studio, Gabi Koyenov, whose Central Asian Jewish identity challenges the typical definition of "Asian American." We explore the complexities of heritage, generational expectations, and what it means to show up for ourselves and others as men, children of immigrants, and healing humans. What Gabi Shar...

In this episode, Clifford Temprosa joins us to talk about what it really means to build power across the Asian diaspora. We get into the importance of identity work in advocacy, what it takes to organize across generations, and how he's helped secure over $30 million in funding for AAPI nonprofits. What we covered: Insights on Asian American nonprofit advocacy and funding strategies How to reclaim...

After years of building, researching interviewing and writing and rewriting more times than I can count—it’s here. Big Asian Energy, my debut book, is officially out in the world. This episode is different. It’s just me—no guest, no script—sharing the real story behind the book. Where the idea came from, what it took to write, what I’ve never said publicly about the process, and why I almost didn’...

In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with.   What starts as a nostalgic tas...

In this empowering episode of Big Asian Energy , we sit down with Sheena Yap Chan —Wall Street Journal bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast. With over 800 interviews under her belt, Sheena brings deep insight into what holds so many women back from fully stepping into their power—and what it takes to break through. We talk about the realities of self-doubt, h...

What does it take to reshape an industry from the inside out? In this in-person episode of Big Asian Energy, John sits down with Christine Hung, Executive Director of Marketing at Vintage Books (Penguin Random House) and interim director of People of Color in Publishing. From growing up in Minnesota to working on campaigns for literary icons like James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, Christine shares h...

Ever had a project, story, or dream you just couldn’t start—or finish—because you were overthinking every detail? You're not alone. In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy, we explore the concept of perfection paralysis—the fear-fueled freeze that keeps high achievers stuck in their heads and out of action. John breaks down the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, why procrasti...

What if the problem isn’t your story—but the system deciding who gets to tell theirs? In this eye-opening episode of Big Asian Energy , I talk with Jafreen Uddin , Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW)—and the first woman to lead the organization in its 30-year history. From her early nonprofit roots to reshaping the publishing world, Jafreen shares how she’s working to...

What if the life you built isn’t the one you were meant to live? In this deeply moving episode of Big Asian Energy , I sit down with Jackie Kai Ellis—designer, award-winning pastry chef, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Measure of My Powers . Jackie opens up about burnout, depression, and the courage it took to walk away from a life that looked successful but didn’t feel fulfilling. Thr...

What does it truly mean to be a leader? Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or demanding authority—it’s about curiosity, learning, and the willingness to serve others. But how do we redefine leadership beyond titles and perfection? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Tony Delarosa, an educator, speaker, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Tony challenges the traditional ideas...

How do we turn adversity into strength and step fully into our power? For many, personal struggles, cultural expectations, and self-doubt hold us back from embracing confidence and leadership. But what if your challenges could become the foundation for your success? In this empowering episode of Big Asian Energy , we welcome Jiggy Yoon , a coach, speaker, and advocate for self-confidence and leade...

Why do so many Asian Americans struggle with behavioral addictions and mental health stigma? For many, cultural expectations, family dynamics, and a lack of open conversations create deep challenges in addressing emotional well-being. The need for healing and connection is more important than ever. In this powerful episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with Tom Kim, a licensed professional coun...

Why do so many high achievers, especially in Asian communities, struggle with burnout? For many, success is deeply tied to identity, self-worth, and cultural expectations—but at what cost? In this powerful episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome Newton Cheng, Global Director of Health & Performance at Google, world champion powerlifter, and mental health advocate. Newton shares his personal ex...

Why do so many of us struggle with self-acceptance and deep, fulfilling relationships? For many, childhood experiences, societal expectations, and inherited beliefs shape how we see ourselves and connect with others. The journey to healing requires self-compassion, awareness, and the willingness to break old patterns. In this insightful episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome Georgianna Lee, a cou...

Have you ever had a brilliant idea but struggled to voice it? Do you find yourself holding back in meetings, only to see someone else take credit for a thought you had first? Developing a strong presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about strategy, influence, and visibility. In this insightful episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome Lorraine K. Lee, keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and aut...