The Old Asian Lady Show

In this #OldAsianLady episode (Part 1), Michelle shares her personal journey from Houston to Taipei, struggles with cultural identity, overcoming personal trauma, and discovering her purpose through art and teaching. She touches on: - Growing up Taiwanese American - Struggling in Taiwan’s local school system vs thriving at American Schools - How trauma changes us - Overcoming generational pain - B...

In this episode of Old Asian Lady , Mrinal Gokhale —IndianAmerican business analyst, author, and speaker—opens up about growing up not understanding why she just didn't fit in, her late autism diagnosis, and how she broke the silence around South Asian mental health. - Learning she had Autism at 25, while her brother was diagnosed at 2 - Damaging impact of the model minority myth - Balancing cultu...

On this episode of Old Asian Lady, Jaime Cham shares his journey from Panama to Silicon Valley to Taiwan. How his passion for solving problems led to building a top global app - PicCollage. He opens up about navigating cultural identity as a Chinese Panamanian and thoughts about raising his multilingual sons. Topics: – Life as a 3rd-gen Chinese Panamanian – Entrepreneurship & Innovation – The...

In this episode of Old Asian Lady, Shashwati Talukdar shares her story working across three countries as a filmmaker, editor, and storyteller. She started her career in New York City with Michael Moore and her biggest takeaway from this legend was to be fearless. A lesson she still keeps close to her heart. We cover her - Challenges being a woman filmmaker - Inspiration & creative process- Cul...

They saw my skin before they saw me. But I refuse to be invisible and forged my own path. On this episode of Old Asian Lady, Ghanniy Oyedele shares about his life in the UK, South Africa and Taiwan. He is a Teacher and Comedian and talks about overcoming challenges of his intercultural marriage, raising biracial kids, and cross border experiences with racial prejudice. Join us for this Eye-opening...

Imagine the unthinkable: Living with epilepsy for 30 years without knowing it and how my life drastically changes overnight. In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Helen Lee's story is one of courage, resilience, and renewed hope. - The blackouts, injuries, and the constant threat of accidental death. - The heartbreak after flunking the epilepsy surgery tests in the U.S. - The second chance with Ta...

Growing up, my parents sacrificed and provided me with a solid foundation but to find myself, I had to forge my own path. Helen Lee Immigrated from Taiwan to the US when she was 7. Growing up as an Asian American, she embraced her life but found herself questioning who she really was. After decisions to change her degree and relocate herself to Maryland, she found true purpose working with the Non...

A Professional Dance Artist reflects on her journey from Zoology to Dance and redefining herself after motherhood, questioning her place and identity. In this episode of #OldAsianLady, WeiShan Lai returned to Taiwan after 11 years studying and performing abroad in London, Tokyo, and San Francisco. At this age of 43, she struggles to find her path amidst life's disappointments. Knowing there ar...

A Retired Veteran Army Chaplain shares his journey from Military Brat to His Calling for the Ministry reflects on what "Service" and “Home” really means. In this episode of #OldAsianLady , my brother Jonathan Landon shares his story about: Growing up as a Military Brat - joys & sadness of constantly moving. Finding his calling as a Chaplain in the US Army and Priest in the Episcopal Church. Em...

Erin Clark shares how life’s biggest decisions & transitions shaped her journey—from the US to Taiwan and now back to starting over again in the US She had early interest in working in the CIA rather than the FBI - preferring international work as a handler or analyst. She always wanted to study Chinese and her Grad School Master's degree in Taiwan was on Military Strategy, the People'...

In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Wen Shaw, founder & CEO of Cooby, shares his journey from the successes & challenges of building a tech startup, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. But beyond business, Wen’s midlife crisis at 35 sparked deep reflections on spirituality, relationships, and health—leading to personal growth and new perspectives on life. In This Episode, ✔️ Building...

🌟 In this episode of Old Asian Lady, Sterling Hsiao shares his unique journey from childhood fascination with English to becoming an accomplished animator, actor, teacher, and martial artist in Taiwan. His boundless enthusiasm for learning, self-discipline, and mastering multiple skills make him a true inspiration. 💡 In This Episode: ✔️ How Sterling’s love for the English language shaped his car...

🔥 What happens when you lose everything—twice? 🔥In this powerful episode of Old Asian Lady, actress, writer, and producer Amy Marcs shares her deeply personal journey of surviving breast cancer, double mastectomy, and rebuilding after losing everything in a fire. She opens up about how these life-altering events reshaped her perspective on resilience, self-love, and embracing new beginnings.💡 K...

In this thought-provoking episode of Old Asian Lady, Dr. Jerome F. Keating, Ph. D., shares insights from his 36 years living and working in Taiwan as an educator, consultant, and author. He has written several books about Taiwan's history and political climate. One of the few foreigners granted Taiwanese citizenship for his contributions, Dr. Keating reflects on his cultural journey and his book,...

🌍 From the slums of Nairobi to national leadership and political asylum, Gordon Okumu’s story is one of resilience, determination, and courage. In this episode of the Old Asian Lady podcast, Gordon shares his extraordinary journey of rising from poverty in Kangemi, Kenya, to becoming a student leader, national politician, and eventually an American citizen. 💡 What You’ll Discover in This Episode...

Welcome back to Season 2 of OAL! More Stories. More Inspiration. More Connection.

Sue DeSimone is back to share how being "A Spiritual Warrior with a Curious Mind" helped her overcome Brain Tumor, Depression, Alcoholism and Prescription Drug Addiction. More about Sue: IG: @suesjoy FB: @suesjoy

Aileen Chang was born and grew up in America. In 2023, she made the decision to give up her life and her job in Chicago and move to Taiwan and care for her aging parents. She's navigated through the complicated process of the health care system for her parents and getting Taiwan citizenship. She had never lived abroad until now. It's been an interesting journey and challenging in many ways. Like m...

Priya Lee Lalwani was the first Indian university student in Taiwan. 37 years later, she still calls Taipei home and is now a Taiwan citizen. She has seen Taipei change over the years. Both her children were born in Taiwan. Dr. Pryia runs her own translation and consultingbusiness in English, Mandarin & Hindi. She has been a vital cultural link between India & Taiwan. Dr Priya was diagnose...

“I take sad songs and I make them sadder.” Vicky Sun is a Taiwanese vocalist, singer, songwriter with so much soul that friends in the Taipei Jazz scene refer to her as the “Ella Fitzgerald of Taipei” Growing up with different forms of music always in her background, It wasn't until 2016 that she officially started performing onstage. Vicky’s specialty is in vocal work, where she sings in multiple...

Nancy's career in the aerospace industryhas spanned over 40 years in both private and government agencies. In her capacity as senior business leader on various levels, she had responsibility of managing up to 700 employees, a multi-million dollar portfolio,  system and product design & development, strategy & business development, among others.  As an Asian female executive, wading thr...

Some people have more than their share of challenges in life. I would say Nancy Chen Baldwin is one of those people. From being sold to an absentee "mom" to high school in America with little English skills to fending for herself and finding her first job surviving on $0.05/hr to excelling and managing a career in the male dominated aerospace industry as a female executive for 40 years; Nancy has...

Brandon Alan initially came to Taiwan with just a backpack and the idea of exploring the country over the course of a year while saving money. picked Taiwan because he knew absolutely nothing about the country and culture of the people here. Currently, Brandon is involved in science education projects for Taiwanese students. He's also an award winning photographer/videographer and enjoys driving a...

Raymonde de Laroche was the world's first licensed female pilot in 1910. Carrie Kwok, 113 years later, was able to overcome the odds in this still male dominated industry to become a Captain in 2023! Captains have overall command for their flight with leadership responsibilities for the aircraft, crew, and passengers. Kudos to women of all industries for having the courage, strength and determ...

Carol Yao was lucky her mother gave her 3 choices for field of study.  She was lucky to enjoy her education at MIT and Harvard and developed a passion for Architecture.  She still works magic at her boutique firm Topia Design in Taipei focusing on Interior Design.  At this point in time, Carol is lucky a third time to pursue what she always wanted to do...which is to write!  She is currently worki...