MIXUNDERSTOOD

When my father passed away, it felt like losing a lifeline to my Japanese heritage. Navigating the grief and identity crisis that followed, I dreamt up Mixunderstood as a way to reconnect and heal. This season finale is a heartfelt reflection on how this podcast became a sanctuary in my journey of personal growth, even as I faced burnout, and the profound conversations that have shaped it, includi...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Emi and Philip, a multicultural couple whose relationship has spanned continents and navigated countless challenges. Meeting in the U.S. in the early 2000s—before the convenience of Zoom calls and smartphones—Emi, who is Japanese, and Philip, who is English/Australian, embarked on a long-distance relationship that tested their resolve, patience,...

What would you do to keep your family together during the most challenging times? In this episode, we’re discussing a story of sacrifice, resilience, and the lengths one woman went to in order to stay with her family. During World War II, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps across the United States. In the midst of this, one woman m...

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Tina and Nacho, a couple whose whirlwind romance began on Tinder in Miami and has taken them across continents to settle in Buenos Aires. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and navigating cultural clichés as they merge their lives together. Join us as we explore what it’s like to be in a long-distance international relationsh...

Ever wondered how a fiercely independent academic from Boston could end up embracing the traditional role of a Japanese housewife? Tracy Slater, acclaimed author of The Good Shufu: Finding Love, Self, and Home on the Far Side of the World, joins us to unravel her incredible journey. From teaching in men's prisons to becoming a shufu in Japan, Tracy's story is one of transformation, self-discovery,...

In this episode, we sit down with Punita Khanna, a first-generation Indian Punjabi immigrant and co-author of Mixed Daisies: Stories of Multiracial South Asians. As the mother of Rahul, featured in Episode 27, Punita reflects on her journey of raising a mixed-race child in a context where such families were relatively rare. Punita shares her experiences of feeling like an outsider—facing discrimin...

In this episode, we sit down with Rahul Arjun John Yates, founder of HumSub Global Teen and co-creator of Mixed-Desis: Stories of Multi-racial South Asians as he opens up about his unique journey as a multiracial teen in Los Angeles. Growing up with an Indian Punjabi mother and a White father, Rahul navigated the complexities of multicultural identity, which eventually led to the creation of a glo...

We are taking a little side chat, a break from our season's theme of mixed relationships and family dynamics, because guess what? Mixunderstood and yours truly, Hanna-Lee, went to our first event for mixed people! This episode is a bit different from our usual format. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Free to Be Fest, a celebration of the mixed experience, right here in downtown LA. T...

In part 1, we explored what it was like for Maria Fernanda growing up as a mixed-race transracial adoptee. We delved into the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, what it was like growing up with white parents, and being in an interracial relationship and getting pregnant unexpectedly. Becoming a young mom was a turning point for Maria Fernanda, who says it was the moment of “coming...

How does a transracial adoptee navigate the intricate tapestry of identity, culture, and belonging? Join us as Maria Fernanda, a passionate advocate and voice for adoptees, shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey from Quito, Ecuador, to her adoptive home in the United States. Maria's story is one of resilience and determination, as she unveils the emotional complexities of birthdays as a...

Identity is not a destination but a journey, especially for transracial adoptees. In this Episode we are diving into the conversation around transracial and transcultural adoption. I am honored to host Patrick Samuel Young Armstrong, a multifaceted individual, a podcaster, speaker, creator and a new father. Patrick's journey as a Korean-American, transracial and transcultural adoptee is a profound...

In this Episode we're spotlighting Shola Oz, the author of the children’s book “I am whole”  Growing up as a first-generation immigrant in the bustling and diverse city of London, Shola learned early on to embrace and celebrate people from all walks of life. Shola's path to authorship was anything but conventional. Motivated by the lack of positive representation for mixed-race children, she was i...

In this episode, I chat with sisters Kim Serena and Mareike Matthies. Raised in Munich, they now navigate the challenges of intercultural family life, with partners from Venezuela and Italy, bringing a rich mix of languages and cultures into their homes. Through their project, "A Couple of Cultures," Kim and Mareike help other intercultural couples by sharing personal stories and professional tips...

In this episode, we sit down with licensed psychologist Dr. Jennifer Noble, also known as Dr. Jenn, and delve into the challenges and limitations that might arise when raising mixed race kids and learn how to ownership of the process. We also have a second surprise visit by my former co-host Amy Maghera!  Dr. Jenn shares invaluable insights on supporting mixed race kids, navigating racial identity...

 In today's unique episode, we're exploring the remarkable story of Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil Ha, one of the earliest mixed-race couples in Latin American history. Gonzalo, a Spanish sailor, and Zazil Ha, a Mayan princess, came together to create a family that symbolized the merging of Spanish and indigenous cultures, marking the origins of the mestizo identity. This episode provides a vivid pict...

Joining us today are Dawn Ellinwood and Elimu Nelson, an inspiring interracial couple who, after navigating the challenges of each raising their own children and primarily dating within their own racial backgrounds, now find themselves together, in their 50s, maintaining a strong connection despite their semi-long distance relationship. Tune in to hear about Dawn’s experience around transracial ad...

In today’s Episode we have a special appearance from someone you already know pretty well, It's a pre-recorded conversation with my former co-host and dear friend, Amy, before she embarked on her next adventure which is around the corner - Baby number 2!  In this oh so  intimate discussion, Amy and I delve into our experiences growing up in mixed-race households, exploring the impact our parents'...

Some of you might recall today’s guests from Season 1’s finale episode about Holiday Tales from around the world.  They are the sweetest couple you’ve ever met -  Gabriella & Rakesh Zope. Gabriella is a psychologist from Hungary, Rakesh an Ayurveda doctor from India, and they currently live in Budapest. Together, they’ve worked to integrate their different expertise to guide and support interc...

Step into the world of cross-cultural dating with First-generation Japanese-American Mami Sugita! In this episode, Mami opens up about her whirlwind journey through relationships that span continents, cultures, and a whole lot of soul-searching. Mami shares candid insights into the challenges and misunderstandings that shaped each romantic encounter. But beyond the typical relationship hurdles, Ma...

Welcome to the second season of MixUnderstood, as we continue to explores the interracial and intercultural experiences. In our first season, we shared our personal stories as well as our collective journey in the entertainment industry, all centering around what it means to be 'mixed.' In this new season,  we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of interracial relationships, diverse family dynami...

After much thoughtful consideration, Amy, my most wonderful co-host and friend, has decided to step down from the podcast. While I will miss her terribly - I'm truly beyond grateful for the episodes we've created together. We've poured our everything into season 1 and it's one of the most fulfilling endeavors we've ever had. Change is a natural part of life, and even though it's very hard for me t...

In this week’s SEASON FINALE we go out with a bang by  sharing a multicultural mashup of holiday stories from you, our amazing listeners! We truly felt rejuvenated and enriched after this episode and we hope you will too!   From how they do things in a British/Columbian/American household with post midnight Christmas eve parties, to the intricacies of how an intercultural Hungarian and Indian coup...

What’s it like to be mixed when it comes to celebrating the holidays?  In this episode we share our own stories about the joys, challenges, and quirks of our diverse holiday experiences. We talk about how it feels to live away from our families and explore the unique experiences that come from navigating the festive season within our own interracial and intercultural marriages, and how these blend...

To finish our mixed actors in the entertainment industry series, we share our own  stories! We get into our first jobs, cringe worthy moments, career highs and lows, acting in different accents and languages, dodgy auditions, having an identity crisis at the most inappropriate times, bizarre situations and more.     Additional info on the Podcast: Hosts: Amy Maghera -Taub, Hanna-Lee Sakakibara Mus...

Summary: Imagine working in Hollywood as a mixed actor at a time when showing the ‘mixing of races’ on screen was prohibited, with interracial marriage being banned in more than 30 states in America. Or, having your scenes in your movies be stand alone shots so that you could be easily removed to cater to audiences who would reject your participation in non-menial roles due to your skin color. The...