Podcast
First of All
Hosted by Potluck Podcast Collective · EN
First of All is a real, unfiltered conversation on career, family, relationships, & culture. Your host is actress/director/entrepreneur Minji Chang, who will bring in her friends & special guests from all walks of life to kick back in her virtual living room. Together we will laugh, drop whatever knowledge we have, & speak our truth on weekly featured topics. Get ready for good times & all the feels.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
202 - Shedding the BS & Transforming (Whether We Like It Or Not)
Jan 900:45:22Tap to summarize2025 was...a year. For some it was the most fulfilling and expansive year of their lives. For others, it was a time of reckoning and what can only be described as unhinged agony leaving us shivering in fetal position on the bathroom floor. Or a lovely mix of both. Whatever was in the stars or cards or maybe the compromised pH of our local tap water, 2025 appears to have produced some significant change. In this solo episode, Minji dives into some of her own epiphanies, triumphs, losses, and overwhelming waves of anxious despair - all in hopes to provide some commiseration, clarity, and grounded intention as we head into another year of guaranteed change and evolution.*Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the horrific murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Our hearts go out to her family, and the entire community locally and globally that mourns continued unjust actions of our current administration. We hope the justice is served swiftly and ask everyone to hold strong in standing up against corrupt and illegal abuse of power.Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Subscribe to Minji's new meditation & voice note YouTube!OK Breathe - YouTube▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#201 - Taking Back the Narrative & Unmasking the Fetish with Kaila Yu
Aug 1501:50:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Minji sits down with a woman who impacted her life from a very early age, model and singer turned author Kaila Yu. A cultural icon during the Azn Pride days of import cars, Nautica jackets, and tricked out html web pages, Kaila made an undeniable mark on the blossoming Asian American identity as one of the hottest Asian "it" girls. Throughout her young career and private life, she'd endure some of the most heart-breaking and challenging experiences while pursuing a career in entertainment and validation from a confusing and toxic world. In one of First Of All's final episodes, Minji and Kaila dive into Kaila's new memoir Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty. In it she unpacks her deeply insightful perspectives on power, desire, and the violent grip of the patriarchy. They talk about the narcissistic unraveling happening in real time, how harmful sexualization traps us, and what it means to reclaim our bodies, our stories, and our agency. Together they also reminisce on their formative years, celebrating girlhood while also reflecting on family dynamics, mass marketing, and cultural trends that shaped their sense of self. This episode reminds us that vulnerability is resistance. Prepare for a conversation that's as intellectually sharp as it is soul-expanding as we take back a narrative to be rewritten by us.Follow Our Guest Kaila Yu:Instagram (@kailayu)Order Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and BeautyFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Subscribe to Minji's new meditation & voice note YouTube!OK Breathe - YouTube▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#200 - Into the Unknown & Doing the Work with Ada Tseng (Journalist & Author)
Jun 2701:40:16Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to make a dream, reality? Any goal, any vision can be daunting when you're at the very beginning. Uneducated, inexperienced, overwhelmed...it's hard to identify or even decide what's the best place to start. And even when you do decide, getting the ball rolling and finally taking the proverbial leap is its own major feat. In one of the final conversations here on First Of All, Minji sits down with her friend, journalist Ada Tseng, to discuss the rigors of making it in in the entertainment biz as Ada prepares to release her first book, Breaking Into New Hollywood. After years of interviewing and investigating the less glamorous parts of the industry, Ada finally shares priceless insights on exactly how it takes a talented, persistent, crafty, and determined village to make magic exist on-screen...or really anywhere. And rather poetically, they reflect on Ada's pivotal role in encouraging Minji to start this very podcast 8 years ago, when AAPI podcasts and/or culture podcasts hosted by women of color were scarce and the road was unpaved and unknown. As Minji heads off into unknown territory once again as a filmmaker, actor, and content creator it's truly a full circle moment. One that hopefully inspires all the dreamers out there to keep taking risks and have fun learning as they do the work to bring their dreams into reality.Follow Our Guest Ada Tseng:Instagram (@adatseng88)Order Breaking Into the New HollywoodFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#199 - Following Your North Star with Director Andrew Ahn
May 30, 202501:28:46Tap to summarizeWe show up to work, to relationships, to passion projects and hobbies in various phases of our lives and do the best we can, never knowing if and how we may be changing the world around us. For director Andrew Ahn, he's never endeavored to change minds or hearts doing what he loves most (and is also really good at), which is telling funny, vulnerable, heartwarming stories through film. He simply identifies his creative north star(s), focuses on who he's doing it all for, and does his best to share something honest and relatable. In doing so, he's made a tremendous cultural impact, and his flourishing directing career - from his early works Dol and Spa Night to Driveways, Fire Island, Shonda's Bridgerton and now the heartwarming and hilarious modern remake of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet - are a direct result of that. In this episode, Minji sits down with her dear friend to recall the origins of his journey as well as the new challenges of maintaining authenticity in the midst of a demanding industry and diverse audience. They talk about how to be honest with yourself, and how real life lessons unfold within and parallel to the work. Follow Our Guest Andrew Ahn:Instagram (@andrewahnfilms)Watch The Wedding BanquetFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#198 - How To Be Dateable with Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu (Dateable Podcast)
Feb 14, 202501:33:00Tap to summarizeLove is a many splendored thing. Also...is love in the room with us right now when it comes to modern dating? When it comes to finding a special someone who can respond to texts in a timely manner, follow through or even initiate plans ahead of time, have basic manners, practice decent hygiene, maintain healthy boundaries with exes, ask a thoughtful question or two, be nice to your friends, & remember your birthday, amongst many other seemingly basic things... it can all feel, well, friggin impossible these days. In this episode, Minji sits down with returning guests and dating experts Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu to investigate the agony and joy of finding/receiving/manifesting love in an era that's fraught with burnout and disillusionment. How are we all actually doing? What are the blind spots to address and healthier ways to approach this journey? Is it worth it? Julie and Yue share insights that have been deeply researched and assembled beautifully in their new book How To Be Dateable, with some very personal reflections from our hosts. Let's all hold hands, take a cleansing breath, and get focused (and a little vulnerable) with this thing called love. Happy Valentine's Day, FOA fam. <3 Follow Our Guests Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu:Instagram (@dateablepodcast)Get the How To Be Dateable book NOW at:https://www.dateablepodcast.com/bookFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Bluesky (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#197 - Crashing Out, Holding Space & Locking In (solo)
Feb 4, 202501:01:00Tap to summarizeWhat a year January 2025 has been. WHAT. A. YEAR. If you're one of the many humans trying calmly (or desperately) to navigate the new normal in (yet again) unprecedented times... you are so not alone. Not by any means. In this episode, Minji unloads her heart and mind on the state of the world, and the good ol' U S of A more specifically. She acknowledges that these challenging times are not for the faint of heart, and that one way or another we all must decide to step up the plate with courage, clarity, empathy and fight. Mentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →196 - Making Your Voice Count with Nancy Yap (Exec Director of CAUSE)
Nov 3, 202401:42:16Tap to summarizeWe're nearing the finish line for one of the most highly anticipated, highly stressful, highly impactful elections of our lifetimes. While we'd all felt we'd been through the worst of it in 2016 and then again in 2020, the unprecedented times have continued on...and on...and on. In the midst of all the division and angst, extremely important conversations have emerged - many that fortunately and unfortunately won't go away after this coming Tuesday passes. We have tough questions to answer, like how much of a difference we can/do actually make, what's working well and depressingly broken in the systems around us, who can we trust, and what can we do about feeling so hopeless nowadays (just to rattle off a few)? In this episode, Minji sits down to get grounded and educated by Nancy Yap, the hardworking and dedicated executive director of CAUSE, a 501(c)(3) with a mission to advance the civic and political empowerment of the API community. Nancy comes from a very humble background of little to no political interest, and now dedicates her career to advancing civic engagement, persisting vocally in her stance that we CAN and ARE making a difference. How??? Together they discuss the implications of actually showing up, the importance of community, the psychological wear and tear of our current culture, and ways to keep our eyes on what matter most in leadership, accountability, and real actual CHANGE. For those of you on the fence or simply worn out, this is for you. This is also for those warriors who haven't given up and just need a refuel in this final stretch of a critical moment in history. Stay the course & everyone MAKE SURE TO VOTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH!! Follow Our Guest Nancy Yap at:Instagram (@causeusa)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#195 - Overcoming Obstacles & Achieving the Impossible with Danny O'Malley & Alex Rivest
Oct 23, 202401:42:16Tap to summarizeClimate change is a topic that brings up existential dread in so many of us, it can overwhelm us, fill us with dread, and/or incite anger and feelings of hopelessness. It feels like an impossible problem to solve. In this episode, Minji sits down with filmmakers Danny O'Malley and Alex Rivest, co-directors of the film Canary, a look into the life of a real life superhero - glacier and climate scientist Lonnie Thompson. Lonnie has spent the past several decades of his life venturing into some of the scariest, coldest, most remote parts of our earth to gather data that has educated the world's science community on the existence and acceleration of climate change. While politics and societal chaos have taken over the facts and solutions available to leaders, there is still power within the hands of humankind ourselves. Together they unpack the journey to make the film itself and a recognition of Lonnie's legacy as a reminder that the most impossible feats are achievable with persistence, determination, luck, and faith. Follow Our Guests Danny O'Malley and Alex Rivest:Instagram (@dannyomalley.film)Instagram (@rivest)CANARY (film link) - Minji will sponsor the first 20 people to watch Canary; send proof of your rental to firstofallpod@gmail.com Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#194 - Navigating Mean Girls & Complex Female Relationships with Priska
Aug 28, 202401:59:58Tap to summarizeFemale relationships can be insanely fulfilling...and also complicated... and sometimes downright traumatic. At some point or another, many of us humans have encountered one (or many) a mean girl. In this episode, Minji sits down with returning guest Priska - singer/songwriter and one half of the Two Horny Goats Podcast - to unpack the trials, tribulations, and lessons from dealing with layered female relationships, including friends, frenemies, bullies, family members, and more. The conversation is kicked off by the controversy surrounding Blake Lively and the questionable marketing and events surrounding the film "It Ends With Us". They dive deep into some difficult personal experiences and the impact its had as they figure out how to develop healthier relationships with themselves and other women. Trigger warning: discussions around DV abuseResources for those experiencing and/or recovering from DV mentioned in the closing of this episode:No More: NO MORE is a groundbreaking, global initiative comprised of the largest coalition of nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, media, schools, and individuals addressing domestic and sexual violence. Visit their website at: www.nomore.org. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: A 24/7 confidential service that provides support, resources, and information for those experiencing domestic violence. You can reach them at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at www.thehotline.org.Futures Without Violence: An organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. They provide resources for both survivors and those looking to support the cause. Learn more at www.futureswithoutviolence.org.Follow Our Guest Priscilla Liang-Kim aka Priska:Instagram (@priskamusik)twohornygoats.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "How Will I Know" cover by Priska▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeerMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
Transcribe →#193 - Milestones & A Call To Action (Solo) - Happy 7th Birthday FOA!
Jul 18, 202401:13:33Tap to summarizeWe’re back baby! In this solo episode, our tired but determined host Minji returns to breathe some life back into First Of All and back into herself. Celebrating another trip around the sun for both podcast and host, this milestone brings in new reflections on aging, filmmaking, friendship, authenticity & (of course) the chaotic state of the world. This one goes out to everyone holding onto hope with everything we’ve got. Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Our theme song is "Uzutrap" by UzuhanFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyuehMentioned in this episode:Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
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