Asian American History 101

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! It's Mental Health Awareness Month! There are a number of reasons that Asian Americans face difficulties with mental health. So Gen & Ted dive into the history and reasons that Asian Americans don't always reach out for mental health help. If you are looking to support organizations focused on Asian Mental Health or need support, loo...

Welcome to Episode 28! Korean Americans are more than K-pop, Korean BBQ, and K-dramas. The Korean diaspora has been gaining notice because of many of the things happening both in South Korea and here in the U.S. But when did Koreans begin coming to the U.S.? What caused them to immigrate? In this episode, Gen and Ted talk over the different waves of immigration that make up the Korean American pop...

Welcome to Episode 27!   Okay… these aren't really mini minisodes, so we'll just call it the Interview Series. This episode we have Dr. Trang Lai , the Director of Child Development Services at Fullerton School District. She's an amazing educator, mom, and spouse… and she also came here as a refugee in 1975. We're so excited to share her refugee story. Want to learn more? Visit our site at https:/...

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Gen & Ted dive into the history of refugees in the U.S. This, of course, leads to discussions of Southeast Asians, who were among some of the largest groups of refugees to come here. We talk about all of this and more. We also take time to reflect on Apple Podcasts highlighting our podcast this month along with many other amazing Asi...

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Gen & Ted are about to transport you to Hawai'i… or at least the history of the islands! As we begin to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we start with the best known Pacific Islander group… the Hawaiians. It's not all pineapples and hula… so what was Hawai'i like way before it became a state? We also talk a little about the or...

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Gen & Ted share the history of Angel Island… the "Ellis Island of the West". But was it really as welcoming? Why was it built? Before that, we begin the episode by addressing the history of hate in Orange County, CA and specifically Huntington Beach. We also talk a little about some of the happenings across the country in Minnesota a...

Welcome to Episode 23 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Gen & Ted begin by talking about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his recent Hollywood Reporter article on the need for better media roles for Asian Americans. This is also the next episode focused on Asian food in America. This week, we're talking about Indian food. We provide a little history and then focus on the differences between Indian...

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Surprise! Gen & Ted bring you another minisode. Today's topic is Islam and Ramadan. Did you know that Ramadan began on April 13th? We've learned a lot about Islam and some of the traditions of Ramadan for people of Asian descent who are Muslim. Now we're sharing it with all of you. Want to learn more? Visit our site at https://asiana...

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Gen & Ted begin to cover the daunting task of discussing the history of anti-Asian massacres and lynchings in the United States in part 1 of an ongoing series called 'Merica's Forgotten Massacres. Yeah, MFM… one of our favorite true crime podcasts… We also introduce a new segment called "Origins" where we talk about the strange, slig...

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! This is part 2 of our work on the history and repercussions of the Model Minority Myth! In this episode, Gen & Ted talk about some of the current information that shows how the Model Minority Myth is untrue and problematic. Additionally we discuss ways to change mindsets. In the second segment, we bring back what we call Things Never...

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! In this week's episode, hosts Gen & Ted Lai talk about Holi, the Hindu celebration. We also discuss the fine line between Appreciation and Appropriation. It's not easy because it's easy to be inspired by other cultures, but what happens when you take credit for it or totally misunderstand it? In our final segment, we talk a little ab...

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! In this week's episode, hosts Gen & Ted Lai discuss the history of the model minority myth as well as some of the modern effects of the model minority myth. This is part 1 of the 2 part special. We also take some time to talk about the continued violence against Asians in the U.S., and we celebrate the achievements made recently in a...

Welcome to Episode 17! Do you know the history of South Asians in the U.S.? It's okay if you don't because Gen & Ted are about to tell you. It's incredible how long South Asians have been here and the impact they've made to the U.S. Hear about the majority Sikh immigrants and how they've succeeded in our country. We'll also take time to talk about Didar Singh Bains, the "Peach King." Finally we di...

Welcome to Episode 16! Happy International Women's Day! To honor, International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Gen and Ted are doing a profile on Anna May Wong, the first Asian American actress and style icon extraordinaire. Although her career was never as successful as she wanted, she always pushed the boundaries and challenged the norms. We also take time to talk bring attention to The...

Welcome to Episode 15! Who loves food? We do! According to statistics, one of the most popular foods in America is Chinese food. But are you eating authentic Chinese food or an Americanized version? Gen & Ted provide a history of Chinese Food in America… how it has changed, the public opinion of it, and how the treatment of Chinese in this country has also influenced the sentiment about the food....

Welcome to Episode 14! There's been a definite increase in Asian American filmmakers in the last few years, but it didn't just happen overnight. There have been some notable films and TV shows that led up to the progress in the last few years. Gen & Ted Lai provide a brief history of Asian American filmmakers and notable movies in the first segment. The second segment is a special interview with o...

Welcome to Episode 13! Co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai introduce the minisode format. It's a bonus short episode between the weekly episodes… hence a minisode. Like many other people, we have been concerned about the increase in anti-Asian hatred and violence that has been impacting Asian Americans across the U.S. In this episode we provide a quick history of anti-Asian violence and discuss the possible ca...

Welcome to Episode 12! Co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai talk about the history of Lunar New Year. They discuss the traditions associated with Lunar New Year and the festivities that surround the holiday. In the last segment, Gen & Ted start a new segment called "what not to say to Asian Americans," and this first version is focused on things not to do around Lunar New Year. For more information and show not...

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Today co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai discuss the key events leading up to Japanese Internment and the reactions right after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They also cover what it was like in Hawaii under martial law. The segment, What are We Listening To returns and Gen & Ted talk about new music they've discovered as well as a conference calle...

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Asian American History 101 podcast! Today's topic, in honor of Black History month is: The Black Panthers and Yellow Peril. Co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai cover a brief history of the Black Panthers, and some key Asian American figures that supported the Black Panthers. They also discuss Yellow Peril and the push for an Asian American Rights movement. In the last segment, Givi...

Special bonus episode! This is the full interview of Mike Park, founder of Asian Man Records and musician extraordinaire. Gen and Ted talk to Mike about ska, all the bands he's been in, his writing process, whether ska really is the most inclusive musical genre for Asian Americans, how he got to tour with Yo Gabba Gabba, the Ska Against Racism work, and more. You'll just have to listen to it all t...

Welcome to Episode 9! Are you ready to skank? This is like a double-length LP because we have a full episode and an interview. In this episode of the Asian American History 101 Podcast, co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai dive into the history of Ska music. They discuss the Asian American representation and diversity found in Ska. They also have the honor of interviewing Mike Park a musician known for Skankin'...

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Asian American History 101 Podcast! Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the U.S.! In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai discuss the incredible life of activist Grace Lee Boggs. They talk about her life, how she was influenced by Dr. King, her impact on the civil rights movement, and her lasting legacy as an Asian American activi...

Welcome to Episode 7. In this episode, co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai dive deeper into the American Territories. This is part 2 of 2, covering the histories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. They also discuss the Jones Act and its impact on the economies of the U.S. territories. In the last segment, Gen & Ted bring back the What Are We Watching segment and discuss two movies: The Yellow Rose and T...

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Asian American History 101 Podcast. Co-hosts Gen & Ted Lai discuss the United States Territories. This is part 1 of 2 on the topic of the American Territories in the Pacific Islands. In this episode, they briefly go over a background on the US territories through history and explain the different kinds classifications for territories. The majority of the main topic focu...