Podcast
Asian Diaspora Project
Hosted by Asia Society · EN
Telling stories of people of Asian heritage from all walks of life bridging cultures and effecting change. A project of Asia Society supported by Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Dubai to Disney: Sway Bhatia on Identity, Ambition, and Telling Untold Stories
May 8, 202500:19:11Tap to summarizeSend a textActor, dancer, comedian, and now aspiring filmmaker — Sway Bhatia is a powerhouse redefining what it means to grow up in the spotlight. In this episode, Sway opens up about being raised between Dubai, New York, and New Jersey, training at Alvin Ailey, starring in The Mighty Ducks and Succession, and why she’s passionate about telling raw, untold stories from South Asian communities.Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
Transcribe →Reporting Across Borders: Emily Feng on Journalism, Truth, and Storytelling
Apr 3, 202500:16:23Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this insightful conversation, NPR Correspondent Emily Feng shares her experience reporting across Asia, uncovering untold stories, and navigating the complexities of international journalism. From on-the-ground perspectives to the challenges of covering sensitive topics, Emily dives deep into the nuances of storytelling, cultural understanding, and the evolving media landscape.Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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Oscar-Nominated Director Pawo Choyning Dorji on Bhutanese Cinema & Storytelling
Mar 4, 202500:18:33Tap to summarizeSend a textOscar-nominated director behind Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom and The Monk and the Gun. In this episode of the Asian Diaspora Project Podcast, we explore his journey from a multicultural upbringing to becoming a pioneering filmmaker, Bhutan’s self-imposed isolation and transition to modernity, and the deeper themes in his films.Pawo shares insights on storytelling as a form of liberation, Bhutanese culture’s place in an evolving world, and the challenges of making films in a country with little film infrastructure. He also reflects on his transition from studying political science in Wisconsin to becoming a filmmaker, and why he believes failure is essential to success in the arts.#BhutaneseCinema #PawoChoyningDorji #AsianDiasporaProject #OscarNominee #Filmmaking #Bhutan #TheMonkAndTheGunAsian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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Laugh Tracks & Heritage Hacks: Sierra Katow Talks Comedy, Culture, and Growing Up Asian-American
Feb 4, 202500:20:24Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this episode of the Asian Diaspora Project, we hang out with comedian and writer Sierra Katow, who proves that juggling punchlines, coding gigs, and family traditions is no joke—except when it is.Sierra spills on her first awkward-but-awesome open mic at 16, navigating the comedy scene while moonlighting in tech, and how her multigenerational Asian-American roots keep her grounded (and laughing). From funny family quirks to exploring history through humor, she shares how her heritage and creativity collide in unexpected ways.Get ready for a chat packed with laughs, heart, and a few surprise revelations about tins, accents, and the undeniable power of saying, “No, yeah.”Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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Breaking Barriers: Rich Ting and Perry Yung on Warrior and Asian Representation
Jan 10, 202500:42:12Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this special episode of the Asian Diaspora Project, we welcome actors Rich Ting and Perry Yung, stars of the hit series Warrior.Together, they explore the intersection of career, culture, and identity, sharing their personal journeys in Hollywood and the lessons learned along the way. From advocating for season four of Warrior to reflecting on the legacy of Bruce Lee and authentic Asian representation, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of being at the forefront of change in the entertainment industry.This engaging discussion covers everything from representation in Hollywood and the evolution of their careers to the deeper meaning behind their work and its global impact.#Warrior #AsianRepresentation #BruceLeeLegacy #AsianDiasporaAsian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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From Comedy to Community: Paul "PK" Kim on Breaking Barriers for Asian Creators
Dec 3, 202400:10:08Tap to summarizeSend a textHow do you create a movement that reshapes an entire community’s identity? Meet Paul "PK" Kim, a Korean-American comedian, trailblazer, and founder of Kollaboration, an organization that started as a grassroots talent show in Los Angeles and became a national platform celebrating Asian-American creativity and talent.In this episode of the Asian Diaspora Project, PK reflects on growing up as a Korean-American, navigating subtle racism, and how those experiences inspired him to launch Kollaboration. From losing $5,000 in its first year to eventually packing the 6,300-seat Shrine Auditorium, PK’s story is one of persistence, community-building, and passion.Along the way, Kollaboration became a launchpad for stars like Dumbfoundead, the Far East Movement, and countless others who’ve redefined representation in entertainment.Beyond Kollaboration, PK opens up about balancing his career in stand-up comedy, fatherhood, and his commitment to supporting Asian-American voices in the arts. His vision, humor, and honesty remind us of the power of believing in a cause bigger than oneself.#AsianDiasporaProject #PaulKim #Kollaboration #AsianAmericanVoices #RepresentationMatters #KoreanAmerican #DiversityInMediaAsian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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Exploring Chinatown's Cinematic Legacy with Film Critic Jeff Yang | Iconic Movie Locations & Stories
Nov 1, 202400:08:41Tap to summarizeSend a textJoin writer and film critic Jeff Yang as he takes you on a walking tour through Manhattan’s Chinatown, reflecting on the intersection of cinema and culture. From iconic filming locations like the setting of Past Lives to pivotal spots featured in The Farewell, Jeff dives deep into the cinematic history that shaped both Chinatown and his own career. Along the way, he shares personal stories of discovering representation in Hong Kong cinema, explores the transformation of Asian American film, and recounts how one controversial movie ignited his passion for cultural criticism.Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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How Mona Sinha’s Upbringing in India Shaped Her Fight for Women's Rights
Oct 15, 202400:15:22Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this episode, Mona Sinha, Global Executive Director of Equality Now, discusses her personal journey into advocacy, highlighting how she leverages her corporate and philanthropic background to champion gender equality.She reflects on her upbringing in Calcutta, India, where growing up in a male-dominated, patriarchal society shaped her worldview and inspired her lifelong commitment to advocating for women's rights and equality. Mona shares how these early experiences fueled her passion for creating a more just and equitable world for women and girls globally.#MonaSinha #EqualityNow #GenderEquality #WomensRights #SocialJustice #Philanthropy #IndianDiaspora #DiasporaStoriesAsian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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Chun Wai Chan, NYC Ballet's First Chinese Principal Dancer
Sep 10, 202400:13:47Tap to summarizeSend a textChun Wai Chan, the first Chinese principal dancer of New York City Ballet, talks about how his Chinese heritage shaped his journey, how he approaches his work with discipline, and how he engages with his fans across the world. Chun Wai’s resilience and grace will inspire you! The Asian Diaspora Project is supported by Stavros Niarchos Foundation.Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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How Aiko Tanaka Turned Personal Struggles into Stand-Up Success
Aug 5, 202400:14:57Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this episode of the Asian Diaspora Project podcast, we're thrilled to chat with the talented Aiko Tanaka! Join us as we dive into her journey from aspiring comedian to stand-up star, explore the hurdles she's overcome, and hear how she's making her mark in the stand-up world.Check out Aiko's work here: https://aikotanaka.com/Asian Diaspora Project is a social media initiative of Asia Society with support from Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Subscribe and follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/asian.diaspora/https://www.tiktok.com/@asiandiasporahttps://www.youtube.com/@AsianDiasporahttps://www.facebook.com/AsianDiasporaProject/
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