The May Lee Show: Recent Episodes
The May Lee Show
Join award-winning, international journalist, May Lee, as she sits down with the most impactful and relevant Asian and Asian Americans who are boldly enhancing and elevating Asian voices and issues around the world. The show strikes an authentic and intimate tone with honest, entertaining and, sometimes, uncomfortable conversations. Expect the unexpected on the show.
In this heartfelt episode, May, Kelly and Tamlyn discuss the emotional journey of dealing with loss, particularly May's experience with her mother's cancer and recent passing. They explore the significance of expressing love, cultural differences in communication, and the impact of grief on personal identity. MKT also touch on the complexities of hospice care, the importance of preserving family legacies through storytelling and the unique presence of Asian mothers in the lives of their daughters both good and bad. And, of course, MKT tackle the pressing issues of the political and social climate here in the U.S. because it is truly a Sh*t Show. This is a not-to-be-missed episode that will touch each and every viewer and leave you with so much to contemplate on a deeper level.
Takeaways
-The importance of open communication in expressing love.
-Cultural differences can affect how we show affection.
-Grief can profoundly impact one's sense of identity.
-Home hospice care uniquely personal.
-Preserving family stories and legacies is crucial for future generations.
-Art and poetry can be powerful tools for processing grief.
-It's important to cherish the time we have with loved ones.
-Political issues can weigh heavily on emotional well-being.
-Finding hope in difficult times is essential for resilience.
Show Notes:
outsideintheatre.org
Myung Lee's book of poetry and art "The Push of the Golden Reed"
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In this episode of "Shoes Off Inside", we attempt to talk about everything and the kitchen sink because there is so much happening every week, every day, every hour. May, Kelly and Tamlyn recorded this episode before protests against ICE raids in the Los Angeles area were inflamed by Trump's order to send in the National Guard and threats of U.S. military intervention. But make no mistake, MKT do NOT hold back when it comes to their thoughts on Donald Trump and his policies, Elon Musk and his erratic behavior.
But at the heart of this episode is a very sincere, vulnerable and painful talk about our elderly parents and the struggle and heartbreak of caretaking...especially as Asians. Get your tissues ready. This will strike a chord regardless of your situation because it's about the power of love and what we're willing to do for our loved ones.
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The trade war between the U.S. and the world isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s something very real and painful for small businesses, especially those that rely on products from China. In this episode, we talk to two Asian American female small business owners who are fearful about their future because of the wild swings in tariff policy. First it was a 145% tariff imposed by Donald Trump on all Chinese imports to the U.S.. China responded by slapping a 125% tariff on U.S, imports. But on Monday, May 12, it was announced after meetings in Switzerland, that there will be a 90 day pause on the triple digit tariffs to allow for more negotiations. Although this may seem like progress, there's apprehension about what's coming next, especially since the trade war, to many, was self-inflicted by the U.S. President. China, on the other hand, has not changed its policy nor has it agreed to any concessions or compromise. For small business owners like Elenor Mak, founder of Jilly Bing dolls and Evelyn Wang, founder of the hair care line Silverist, the uncertainty only fuels their fears and anxieties. But, they're also not willing to give up the fight to save their businesses. Both true examples of fierce, Asian female entrepreneurs!
PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded BEFORE the conclusion of the meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials in Switzerland.
Show Notes:
jillybing.com
silverist.com
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The current trade war between the U.S. and China has already sent shock waves around the world and this is just the beginning IF an agreement can't be reached. But there are some giant obstacles that stand in the way of any peace...Donald Trump's lack of understanding when it comes to China's global reach and influence AND Xi Jinping's need to show strength against a perceived western bully. Xi is already shifting from American reliance and cutting new deals with other nations. But it's not just about monetary trade for China...it's also about the growing nationalistic fervor, inflamed by J.D. Vance, by calling Chinese "peasants". Poking the dragon with insults was a mistake. And what about other Asian nations that have been slapped with unexpectedly high tariffs such as Vietnam? In this episode of "Shoes Off inside 1-on-1", May sits down with Eric Olander, longtime China watcher, journalist and analyst based in Vietnam. Eric's deep knowledge of Chinese history and its global relationships helps put this current dangerous trade war into context. To understand the present and the future, we must understand the painful past.
Eric Olander, Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief
www.chinaglobalsouth.com
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On a daily basis, Americans and the world are being overwhelmed by the Trump administration's decisions that are deeply consequential politically, economically, socially and constitutionally. Since Trump's first term, the press has been under fire often being called the "Fake News". In this second term, the attacks are growing stronger. On March 15, the U.S. President signed an executive order to shut down the Voice of America, a government funded network that has provided news and information to the world for more than 80 years. VOA is one of the most trusted news sources to 350 million people globally, often in places where the idea of free press is non-existent...North Korea, Myanmar, Belarus, Venezuela to name a few. In this episode of Shoes Off Inside 1-on-1, May talks with her old journalist colleague and friend Steve Herman, VOA's Chief National Correspondent, about the significance of the network's mission and what the devestating impact the shutdown of VOA will have on the world.
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What happens when we take ACTION to find joy, connection and inspiration? From taking a vacation to going to see live theatre to getting emotionally invested in the livelihood of a bald eagle family (May is obsessed!), these are just some of the ways we are finding light in the darkness. But that's not to say May, Kelly and Tamlyn are ignoring the reality of what's happening around us. The key is to find the humanity in our stories, in art, in history, in nature, in life. And when we come together to share these experiences it's called "Collective Effervescence", a concept coined by Sociologist Émile Durkheim, to describe the feeling of intense shared emotional activation and a sense of unison that emerges when people come together and engage in a shared activity or experience. So join MKT in this episode as we share Collective Effervescence together.
Show Notes:
"Here there are blueberries" tickets (runs until 3/30/25
thewallis.org
"Cambodian Rock Band" tickets (runs until 3/23/25)
eastwestplayers.org
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One important pillar of a functioning Democracy is the press and the ability to freely report truth and fact to the public. But has been a steady erosion of journalistic efforts due to the current political chaos in the U.S. and that is leading to genuine fears that journalism, as we know it, will soon vanish and, instead, a type of propaganda will take its place. This is textbook dictatorial behavior. May is joined by fellow journalist, Rebecca Sun, to talk about how their industry has changed dramatically and what can be done to save the important work that journalists are committed to doing. Not easy when billionaires are creating media empires and politicians label journalists as the "enemy of the people". Don't miss this crucial episode.
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Sometimes you just need to say “What the F*K!” But then, you need to find a way to cope with all that’s going on…and there’s A LOT going on. So in this episode, May and Kelly (Tamlyn had a very good excuse not to join this time, which is explained in the show) decided to just sit down, unload and share coping mechanisms…everything from dealing with friends on the opposite end of the political spectrum to K-dramas as a distraction from the madness to how May would react to an alien encounter. Yes, you read that right. If you’re in need of authentic and raw conversation about where we are right now, watch and listen.
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This episode of "Shoes Off Inside" was originally supposed to be about how to mentally prepare for the new year ahead with the help of our guest psychologist Dr. Jenny Wang. But then, the cataclysmic LA wildfires hit and we knew we had to pivot. The destruction to homes, businesses and entire neighborhoods is so immense, it's difficult to truly understand the scale of loss. As of the date of this episode, more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the fires. More than 10,000 structures are damaged or destroyed. 11 human lives have been lost. Animals, both domestic and wild, have also been dramatically impacted. May, Kelly and Tamlyn speak with Dr. Wang about how we can all help each other through this unprecedented disaster and what each one of us can do to make a difference even in the smallest of ways. This was a way for us to share a space of comfort, compassion, sympathy and empathy.
Thank to all the incredible first responders who are courageously putting themselves in harm's way to save others.
At the end of the episode there is information about ways you can help.
Here are links to organizations mentioned in the show:
disasterassistance.gov
calfund.org
211la.org
supportlafd.kindful.com
caninerescue.club
coreresponse.org
gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california
habitat.org
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It's that time of year! This is when May, Kelly and Tamlyn put together their list of Holiday Favorite Things! So if you need some gift ideas AND want to support AANHPI and women owned small businesses, this is the episode for you! From beautiful jewelry to yummy baked goods to silver hair care, MKT share a wide range of unique gifts for the holidays! BUT, for a few minutes at the top of the show, they address what transpired since the last episode of "Shoes Off Inside" and that is Election 2024. Hear what all of them have to say about how they're feeling and what each is doing to move forward.
Happy Holidays everyone!
SHOW NOTES:
Kelly's Favorite Things:
readtangle.com
33edge.com (30% discount code: shoesoffinside)
mohalaeyewear.com
bigislandcoffeeroasters.com
glowrecipe.com
onemoon.com
Tamlyn's Favorite Things:
houseofhara.com
jacl-dc.com
alohacreationsonline.com
vh07v.com
edibol.com
japangeles.com
gjenmi.com
linjer.com
May's Favorite Things:
silverist.com (15% discount code: shoesoff15)
silveringbeauty.com
"Banchan: 60 Korean American Recipes for Delicious, Shareable Sides" (available on Amazon and other bookstores)
eatfoodologie.com
DM @mayleeshow or @shoesoffinsidemkt for "Shoes Off Inside" slippers
ryzesuperfoods.com (15% discount code: mayleeshow15)
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Do you believe in miracles??? After 2 years of hosting "Shoes Off Inside" virtually, May, Kelly and Tamlyn FINALLY recorded an episode IN PERSON and they made sure to get into some GOOD TROUBLE! Sitting on the floor in May's living room eating musubi, mochi donuts and drinking boricha, the outspoken threesome tackled the subject of Childless Women, who have recently come under attack. So who better to talk about it than three childless women. The conversation is raw, honest and powerful.
And on a completely different subject, May tries to get Tamlyn to spill the beans about a possible "Joy Luck Club" sequel. Here's a hint...what she says may not reflect what she really means. Hmmmm....
Side note...the election is right around the corner, so make sure to vote!
Another side note...our audio is a little wonky because our mics weren't coming through, but fear not, it's still totally audible!
Here are some voting resources, including states that allow same day registration:
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/same-day-voter-registration
https://ballotpedia.org/Same-day_voter_registration
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The threesome is down to two for this episode because SOMEONE forgot about our recording date and overslept! LOL! But as the saying goes, “The show must go on!” So May and Kelly chat up a storm from the frivolous to the very serious. From French wine, cheese and fashion to the disinformation enveloping the hurricanes that are devastating Florida and beyond. Tamlyn was sorely missed, but the ladies had fun as usual, including the tech-challenged Kelly teaching the normally tech-savvy May a very basic lesson in “Do Not Disturb”.
Show Notes:
Nonpartisan election websites
https://ballotpedia.org
https://votesmart.org
https://www.lwv.org
https://www.vote.org
https://www.factcheck.org
https://www.opensecrets.org
https://www.rockthevote.org
https://www.vote411.org
Christian Dior Exhibit in Paris
https://billetterie.galeriedior.com/selection/timeslotpass?lang=en&productId=10228405282935
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The ladies of "Shoes Off Inside" took a little time off for summer...a combination of globe-hopping, caretaking and gearing up for the country's most consequential elections in modern history. This is an episode that is full of surprises, insight, admissions and TMI (hint...the squatty potty is a topic). But May, Kelly and Tamlyn get down to serious business with a heartfelt and informative conversation about the upcoming presidential election and what is truly at stake. We all have the privilege of being part of the democratic process and that means being informed in order to exercise our right to vote!
And a show note...we decided to try a new recording platform so the show starts off in the most casual, candid and oh so MKT way!
INFO:
capa21.com
vote.org
harriswalz.com
kamalaharris.com
apiavote.org
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Would you be willing to travel on your own dime to all 50 U.S. states and sit down with a total stranger over a meal? Well that's exactly what Shari Leid, former attorney turned life coach, did and she lived to tell the many tales. Her purpose was to find connection and common ground in our growingly divided country. All of her connections were women of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. Through this journey, Shari not only discovered the beauty of pushing beyond fear and stereotypes, but as a Korean adoptee, she experienced her own unexpected epiphany. Her story is one of courage, adventure, patience and, ulimately, self-love.
Show Notes:
https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/shoesoffinsidemkt/
Link to purchase Slippers/Slides merch:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2tgJ3uBi245uE6-ORxPJuwIMgCZPfO2sotgVUcj5ki5iUuQ/viewform
The month of May is when the spotlight burns brighter on the AANHPI community! All month long we celebrate the diversity of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and that means honoring everyone from the most prominent political and media figures to the unsung heroes who are tirelessly working to elevate our voices.
In this episode, May, Kelly and Tamlyn talk about their commitment to the community and why the sense of belonging amongst AANHPIs is still not fully embraced, according to the latest STAATUS report. Perhaps one reason is that a majority of Americans still can't name one prominent Asian American.
The ladies of "Shoes Off Inside" also look forward to being together IN PERSON in Washington, D.C. to celebrate AANHPI at the APAICS gala, or more fondly referred to as the "Asian Prom". (note: this episode was recorded May 2, before the D.C. events) But at the end of the episode, there's a post-event update that you don't want to miss. Let's put it this way, it's the most unusual setting that MKT have every recorded in together! It was a little bumpy!
Show Notes:
Get your "Shoes Off Inside" slides here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JWDqGgNvcAjb5kQxWAUkU8I6AYaXv0a5BYUHVK6qPk0/edit
apaics.org
aa4dr.org
capa21.com
https://www.msnbc.com/admissionsgranted
At the heart of this episode is the hotly debated issue of the "coddled" generation. These are Gen Z'ers and, now, Gen Alpha who have been overprotected by parents from the real world with all of it's challenges, pain, and dangers. But ironcially, these same kids have been severely underprotected from social media. According to psychologist and NYU professor, Jonathan Haidt, this combination has led to a multitude of problems including depression and self-harm as well as a complete lack of accountibility. Social media has created an entire generation of addicted "keyboard warriors", who hide behind their devices and say whatever they want without reprecussions. This behaviour manifests in other areas. May shares her firsthand experience as a university professor who has battled this lack of accountability among students. Recently, she was the target of unfounded incidenary remarks and when she asked for university support, it was rejected. May, Kelly and Tamlyn talk about the reasons behind this kind of hostile and evasive behavior, and what we can do to slow and, perhaps, even avert the further breakdown of civility.
And on the lighter side, May has a very fun sneak peek of the first "Shoes Off Inside" swag! You won't want to miss it!!! SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!
Show Info:
https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/escaping-the-matrix/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/safer-social-media-and-messaging-apps-for-kids
https://outsideintheatre.org
When it comes to movie stars with the full package, one of our Asian American brothers is at the top of that list...the one and only Daniel Henney! From starting as a model in the U.S. and Asia, to becoming a full-blown heart throb on TV and film in South Korea and worldwide, Daniel continues to entertain the masses. He stars in the series "Wheel of Time" and has a new Korean movie coming out, "Dog Days", February 7th. But what makes him truly endearing is his authenticity and humility. He is as real and as grounded as they come. And if that's not enough, he's also a HUGE dog lover and has advocated for the humane treatment of dogs in South Korea. Daniel has been working with the Humane Society International in an effort to stop the dog meat trade in Korea, which just recently became reality when a new law to ban the trade of dogs was passed. In this episode, May, Kelly and Tamlyn talk openly with Daniel about this controversial topic as well why dogs are so personal to him AND a special someone makes an appearance during this episode! This is an episode you DO NOT want to miss!
For more info on Dog rescues in South Korea:
https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/region/south-korea-2/
https://www.instagram.com/dog_us_planet/
https://www.instagram.com/d.u.p_adopt/
It's time for our Favorite Things Gift List just in time for last minute shoppers like May, Kelly and Tamlyn who haven't even begun! Once again, we are featuring everything from delicous food, both sweet and savory to holiday ornaments to organic wine to the first Asian American doll, and even a punk rock band! Many of the businesses we feature are API owned and share their profits with causes they care about. Along with sharing gift ideas, MKT also chitchat about U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas (that's why May and Kelly are together in this episode), wedding planning (including how many times we've been bridesmaids), new year's goals and...here's a teaser...Kelly introduces us to her ficus plant "Norma Jean". You DEFINITELY want to see why it has that name!!
Links to all gift ideas featured in the show:
Kelly Hu's List:
www.drinktinto.com
www.shop.momofuku.com
www.asianamericangirlclub.com
www.houseofmanaup.com
www.sugarbirdsweets.com
Tamlyn's List:
www.houseofhara.com
www.edibol.com
www.vho7v.com
www.thesill.com
May's List:
www.eatfoodologie.com
www.jillybing.com
www.lemieuxskincare.com
www.socialbutterflieslosangeles.com
www.traderjoes.com
The numbers don't lie...the senior population is booming while the younger generation is shrinking due to fewer and fewer people having children. That means there is a growing need for caregiving within families, which is leading to more multigenerational households. That's nothing new for Asian families, but we're seeing this trend of multigenerational living increase across all communities and that's changing the way physical homes are being built, remodeled and outfitted. Our Kelly Hu just bought a home with plans for her parents moving in when the time comes so this hits close to home! Also, with more seniors, that means more senior scams! These horrible scammers prey on our vulnerable, sometimes, lonely elders using all sorts of devious tactics. In this latest episode sponsored by AARP, we talk with Senior VP of Caregiving and Health at AARP, Tricia Sandiego, about multigenerational living and what options are out there for childless people like May, Kelly and Tamlyn and they prepare for their "golden years". We also delve into the dark underbelly of senior scams, which totaled $9 billion last year. Denise Oki of the Federal Trade Commission gives us useful tips on how to help our loved ones. You'll be shocked to hear some of the most heartbreaking stories of elderly being cheated out of their life savings. As we say in the show, "There is a special place in HELL for people who scam seniors."
More Info:
AARP
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2021/tips-for-aging-independently.html
FTC
https://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/
https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/languages
https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts
Pass It On education campaign: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on
For many of you who have been watching and listening to this show, you've gotten to know May's Golden Retriever, Eggy, pretty well. She would often make cameo appearances during the show knowing exactly where the camera was. Eggy's story, like many rescue dogs, is amazingly touching and inspiring. On October 14 2023, Eggy crossed the rainbow bridge after nearly 16 years. May wanted to take a few minutes at the start of this episode to honor her fur baby and share Eggy's story. Tamlyn and Kelly join May after the memoriam to talk about Tamlyn's theatrical escapades with a run in East West Players production of "Spring Awakening", which opens Oct. 29 in Los Angeles. Kelly gives us an update on her big move to Las Vegas and how her high school calvary came to the rescue! And May shares details about her recent engagement party and how she almost fell for the pressure of throwing a fancy, expensive, formal affair and, instead, chose a more personal route. (Hint, she made the right choice.)
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The ladies of "Shoes Off Inside" took an unintentional break for part of the summer, but that's not a bad thing, especially for Kelly Hu, who traversed Europe, then felt the "burn" and mud at "Burning Man". Meanwhile, Tamlyn was busy attending and emceeing various events elevating the API and Japanese American communities. And May was gearing up for her new position as full-time professor at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. The thing about taking a break is that SO MUCH HAPPENS during that time! So, there was A LOT to catch up on including the continuing Hollywood strike and the Maui Fires. But this episode also celebrates the boldness and courage of one API female entrepreneur, Janel Luu, Founder and CEO of Le Mieux. "Shoes Off Inside" LOVES spotlighting Asian women who don't let traditional stereotypes get in the way of going what we want the way we want to! Janel is living proof of that. And we should note, Le Mieux stepped up to the the FIRST official sponsor of this show on faith and belief in the concept alone. The sisterhood is strong!
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Thank you to our sponsor Le Mieux. For more info go to www.lemieuxskincare.com
This is the episode we've ALL been waiting for, especially Kelly Hu since she suggested this topic when we first launched "Shoes Off Inside". We are talking about SEX, a subject that most everyone is interested in openly or secretly. The problem is, not a lot of people, especially women, are comfortable talking freely and specifically about sex. That's why we invited sexpert and host of Luvbites, Dr. Tara, to help us strip (pun intended) away the straight-laced veil (pun intended again) and get down and dirty! What's the best way to achieve orgasm? How do you masturbate? What vibrators work best? What's "pegging"? How do sex surrogates work? How can sexual meditation help? So many questions and to think, we JUST scratched the surface! Get ready for an informative, raucous, honest and HILARIOUS episode!
For more info on Dr. Tara:https://www.luvbites.co
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New York's Broadway has been referred to as the Great White Way since the early 1900s because of the spectacle of bright lights and dazzling theatre marquees. But that term could also describe, quite literally, the dominance of shows that have been written and led by white playwrights, directors, composers and performers. Broadway is one of the final frontiers when it comes to more diverse representation, but change has been coming slowly but surely. Korean American composer, Helen Park, has helped shake things up in a very big and very flamboyant wave with her musical, KPOP, which had a run both off and on Broadway. The flashy musical was recently nominated for several Tony awards including best original score, one of the most competitive and coveted categories. Helen became the first Asian American female composer to ever be nominated for a Tony. Not bad for a girl who grew up in Korea thinking there was no entry into musical theatre because she didn't "fit" the standard...white, male, American. But she had a dream and some serious drive, which isn't letting up one bit with more projects in the pipeline. Oh, and she's still just 37 years old, married, and a mom of 2 young kids. How she does it, we have no idea!
Thanks to our sponsor Le Mieux Skincare. For more info, please visit www.lemieuxskincare.com
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Richard Lui is a familiar face in television news. He currently serves as weekend anchor on MSNBC, but a role that he has played for years without compensation or awards is that of caregiver first to his ailing father and now to his mother. This is something that millions of people, at least 50 million in the U.S., do every day. Richard is also a filmmaker and has come out with his second documentary on the subject of caregiving, but the latest film, "Unconditional" focuses on the mental health of caregivers who carry a heavy burden. The film profiles three families, including Richard's and how they all cope with the challenges and the pain with resilience, patience, humor and, of course, LOVE. Our brother Richard willingly opens up in this episode and shares his commitment to honor all those who are making incredible sacrifices for their loved one every single day.
We want to thank our newest show sponsor AARP, who also produced "Unconditional". AARP is committed to providing information about and for the caregiving community so for more information on caregiving, visit https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
And continued thanks to our other sponsor Le Mieux Skincare. For more information, visit https://lemieuxskincare.com/
When the first trailer of "Joy Ride" came out with a little Asian girl telling a racist playground bully "F*K YOU" followed by a punch in the nose, we all knew this was a movie like no other. The stellar cast of some of today's most talented API actresses and comedians is a dream team that takes audiences on a hilarious, raunchy and, at times, touching journey. The added bonus...they break down all the stereotypes that Asians, and especially Asian women, are rule-abiding, shy and lack humor. We say "Hell NO" and so does the mastermind behind "Joy Ride", director and co-writer, Adele Lim of "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Raya and the Last Dragon" fame. Adele's unapologetic, no holds barred style has helped her push through barriers in every way and when she wants to get shit done, there's no stopping her. May, Kelly and Tamlyn go on a joy ride with Adele in this episode to talk about everything from the new movie to her directorial debut to the need for more women of color directors. And she also shares how she made a 67-year-old white man cry at a screening!
NOTE: "Joy Ride" opens in theatres on July 7
Thanks to our "Shoes Off Inside" sponsor Le Mieux Skincare. For more info, go to www.lemieuxskincare.com
For the first time in U.S. history, a former president is facing federal charges. On Tuesday, June 13, Donald Trump was arrested, booked and arraigned in Miami. He pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information. This is, yet, another unprecedented event involving the former president, which is triggering more political and social divisions. It's almost enough to make even the strongest optimist falter, BUT there is someone serving in congress who is still a beacon of hope, decency and humility. Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey is an accidental politician who felt compelled to run for office in 2018 because he feared the country was losing hope and decency. Rep. Kim doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk as a true public servant and patriot. Remember the images of a politician picking up trash and debris after the U.S. Capitol insurrection? That was Congressman Andy Kim, so who better to talk to when the country is facing another monumental juncture.
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The old nursery rhyme did a real number on a lot of us as kids growing up in America..."First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes (insert name) in a baby carriage!" That is apparently how it's supposed to go, but not for everyone...not by a long shot! The concepts of dating, relationships, marriage and family have and continue to evolve. The narrow guidelines of what all of us are "supposed" to do are being redefined, which means individuals are making their own choices instead of adhering to traditional societal pressures, and for one "Shoes Off Inside" host, she's living proof that you can defy the odds and make your own rules anytime, anywhere, anyhow. May, Kelly and Tamlyn are joined by dating expert Yue Xu, co-host of the "Dateable" podcast, to talk about the how's and why's of dating and relationships!
p.s. There's a big announcement in this episode you won't want to miss!
Thank you to our sponsor Le Mieux Skincare. For more info go to www.lemieuxskincare.com
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“Vaginal Rejuvenation” is a term tossed around in movies, TV shows and social media, but how many of us actually know what it is? Some think it’s all about nipping and tucking for better sex. Others think it’s a procedure to beautify the outer and inner parts of female genitals for that “Barbie-effect”. But A LOT of us have no clue what vaginal rejuvenation entails. In general, it’s a broad term that encompasses anything that alters the vulva (the external portions of the genitals) or the vagina (the internal portions of the genitals). But the truth is, any kind of vaginal treatment, both elective and non-elective, shouldn’t be taken lightly and should be thoroughly understood from a medical perspective before diving in. There are a lot of false claims being made out there, especially since the business of vaginal rejuvenation is now a multi-billion dollar industry. May, Kelly and Tamlyn try and separate fact from fiction with the help of a leading expert in Urogynecology who specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Cheryl Iglesia knows what’s going on “below the belly” and she has A LOT to say about how women need to rethink their perspective on their bodies and their sexual health. This episode is bursting with incredible information and, at times, some blush-worthy and squirm inducing moments, but it’s all worth it!
And many thanks to our very first show sponsor Le Mieux! We have a special segment how we care for and rejuvenate our skin so you'll want to stay tuned for those tips! For more information about Le Mieux, go to lemieuxskincare.com
NOTE: Some of the content in this episode is explicit, but very educational for mature audiences.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains sexual references that some might find disturbing.
Netflix series "BEEF" came out of the gates in early April with such explosiveness that everyone who watched it was breathless, especially the API community who has been championing media representation that doesn't feed into stereotypes and tropes. But then, a story so disturbing and horrific resurfaced about cast member David Choe who plays Issac Cho in the series. His descriptive admission on his own podcast back in 2014 that he raped a massage therapist has sent shock waves every which way. But strangely, back in 2014 when his show aired, this graphic account of what Choe did didn't really go anywhere and clearly didn't impact his career. Will it be different this time? Will more people in Hollywood and beyond finally grow a spine and take a public stand against this kind of grotesque behavior or will the story just get swept under the rug again? May, Kelly and Tamlyn have A LOT to say about this topic and, as you can imagine, they DO NOT hold back.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 or go to the website https://www.rainn.org/
Shoes Off Inside with MKT celebrates a historic night at the 95th Academy Awards with a special episode recorded at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco with a live audience! We gathered together for a celebratory viewing party sponsored by Asians Are Strong to cheer on API nominees with many of the golden statues going to "Everything Everywhere All at Once", including Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and the Daniels. Throughout the episode, May and Kelly shared stories and insights about Asian representation in Hollywood. Audience members also engaged in the conversation by sharing the powerful significance of EEAAO's success and, more importantly, why the movie connects on such a deep level to the reality of being an ordinary Asian immigrant family trying to find each other in love. This is an incredibly special episode with so much raw emotion and a few surprises along the way! Such Asian Joy all around!!
This is an episode that May, Kelly and Tamlyn have been wanting to do since the inception of "Shoes Off Inside" because of how misrepresented, misreported and misunderstood this topic is...Menopause! It will happen to every single woman at some point in her life, but it's still treated like a dirty little secret that women should be ashamed of. There is so much suffering in silence by women...night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, bloating, low libido. Did you know there are nearly 40 menopausal symptoms and yet, the treatments that are available are either unregulated or have been vilified by flawed medical studies. Well it's time to break free from the fear and shame, and get properly informed so women AND men will be more prepared for what's to come. Who better to guide us through the maze of menopause than Dr. Sherry Ross, celebrated Ob/Gyn, author and health expert. Dr. Sherry isn't afraid to openly talk about all aspects of women's sexual health without using euphemisms. In other words, throughout this episode, Dr. Sherry and MKT freely and happily talk about vaginas, vulvas, estrogen, masturbation, lubs, penises and so much more so get ready for an action packed show!
Show Info:
https://www.drsherry.com
https://www.amazon.com/She-ology-Definitive-Intimate-Health-Period/dp/1682617386/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678155313&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/She-ology-She-quel-Lets-Continue-Conversation/dp/1642931802/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3609F4ZZD0QWR&keywords=sheology+the+shequel&qid=1678155366&sprefix=sheology+the+shequel%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1
In this latest episode of "Shoes Off Inside with MKT", May, Kelly and Tamlyn kick off the show with some hot topics on their minds. The use of Ozempic, a diabetic drug, by celebrities and others to lose weight has May hopping mad! Kelly reveals how she got ready to shoot an intimate scene for her TV show and shares the tricks of the trade. Tamlyn gives us a hint about what's she's been shooting for HBO Max.
But then things get very serious with writer and author Jeff Yang, who recently, in a New York Times opinion piece, addressed the mass shootings in California that were all perpetrated by older Asian men. These gunman didn't fit the "typical" profile of a mass shooter in the U.S. All the more reason to dig deeper into these tragic events and not dismiss them as "just another shooting". We wanted to better understand the complexity of what could have led to these shootings, including mental health and Asians, cultural divides, socio-economic differences, marginalization within API communities and the biggest issue of all, guns. These are heavy topics that need to be addressed openly and honestly with people who are willing to tackle them head on. May, Kelly, Tamlyn and Jeff do it together in this episode.
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Happy New Year, both Gregorian and Lunar! It's 2023 and the Year of the Black Water Rabbit! May, Kelly and Tamlyn kick off the new year with an open, honest, hilarious and tearful conversation about EVERYTHING, including "Everything Everywhere All at Once" star Michelle Yeoh and her view of how older women should be seen by their capabilities and NOT their age. They also talk about new year's intentions and the idea of finding your true PURPOSE. And the trio give you a taste of episodes to come on the subject of women's health with a hilarious conversation on menopause! Another episode not to be missed!
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Welcome to another "beta" episode of the brand new show "Shoes Off Inside with MKT"! Once again, May, Kelly and Tamlyn dive into several hot topics including the multiple Golden Globe nominations for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and the controversial abrupt closing of "KPOP" on Broadway.
They also tackle the on-going and very important issue of mental health and how years of the pandemic and now the holiday season are exacerbating the problem. For Asians, because of culture and tradition, mental health is often perceived very differently. Dr. Jenny Wang of Asians for Mental Health and author of "Permission to Come Home" joins the conversation.
MKT also want to celebrate the holidays so they share their "Favorite Things" a la Oprah, but with an API theme! Their lists include everything from delicious cookies and crisps to skin serums and jewelry. You don't want to miss this episode!!
Show Notes:
https://asiansformentalhealth.com/
https://asiansformentalhealth.com/therapists/jenny-wang
https://www.instagram.com/asiansformentalhealth/?hl=en
https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Come-Home-Reclaiming-Americans/dp/1538708000
MKT's Favorite API Things!
May’s List
https://rootedfare.com
https://www.butter-lab.com
https://www.livehoneybelle.com
https://lemieuxskincare.comhttps://gloobooks.com/products/a-very-asian-guide-to-korean-food
https://www.veryasianfoundation.org
Tamlyn’s List:
https://www.tanakafarms.com/
https://mauicookkwees.com/
https://alohacreationsonline.com/
https://doebeauty.com/
https://www.koji-honpo.co.jp/en/dollywink/
https://www.shopcambio.co/pages/about-us
https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/Rise
Kelly’s List:
https://nguyencoffeesupply.com
https://flybyjing.com
https://www.cairebeauty.com
https://www.blisslau.com
Welcome to another 'beta' episode of a brand new show with May Lee, Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomita, or MKT!* On this episode, we unveil the official title of the show and why we chose it! We also catch up on our recent travels, which include a serious sailing adventure, a festival in Okinawa that only happens every 5 years and wine tasting in Paso Robles with the fur babies. We also try and unpack the results of the midterm elections. IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode was recorded just hours before the GOP clinched control of the House and a day before Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped down as Democratic leader.
The star of this episode, however, is none other than the late, great, gorgeous Anna May Wong. She just became the first Asian American to be featured on U.S. currency, but do people really know her full story? We invited Professor Shirley Lim, an expert in all things Anna May, to dig deeper into the life of the trailblazing actress, fashion icon and activist.
Show Notes:
Professor Shirley Lim's books,
"Anna May Wong: Performing the Modern"
"A Feeling of Belonging: Asian American Women’s Public Culture, 1930–1960"
*Shoes Off Inside will soon migrate to its own platform under the new title. We will make this as seamless as possible when it happens!
Something’s brewing and it’s pretty damn exciting! A brand new show is in the works with hosts May Lee, Tamlyn Tomita and Kelly Hu!! Details coming soon, including an official name so for now, it's the "No Name Show". In this episode, we talk about the news of a sequel to the beloved film “Joy Luck Club”. Tamlyn, of course, was in the first, groundbreaking movie in 1993 so she tells us what she can!
We also cover the reemergence of Constance Wu and her accusations of sexual harassment, cancel culture and the blame game. And we dig into the importance of the upcoming Midterm Elections with Asian Americans Advancing Justice president John Yang. With anti-Asian sentiment still plaguing AANHPIs and democracy on the brink, what do we need to know before November 8th?
If you need more information and resources related to the topics in this show, please follow the links below:
https://988lifeline.org
https://www.nami.org/home
https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org
https://apiavote.org
This is a mini episode featuring TV, Film and Theatre actress Jully Lee who will be starring in the new broadway show K-POP!! The show has an all-Asian cast and opens in November! Theatre still lacks AAPI representation so this production is helping to break down those long-standing barriers! Jully shares her thoughts on being part of K-POP and how the traditional theatre is slowing making progress towards more diversity an authentic representation.
Ageism is no joke, especially for women and CTV news anchor Lisa LaFlamme is the latest victim who was punished for embracing her true self by going gray. As a fellow silver-haired broadcast journalist, this story got May really fired up so she called up her fellow fabulous silver sisters, Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomita, to break down the stereotypes of what women are supposed to look like, according to age old societal definitions (created mostly by men). Kelly, Tamlyn and May share their experiences with insecurity in their youth and how they grew into their own mature identity. Their stories are honest, authentic, powerful and rarely spoken about in such a public way, especially by AAPI women. We need to change the narrative about women and aging and it starts with this episode!
This is the story of a girl and her car. That girl is me, May, and the car is Bonnie Blue 2.0. Believe it or not, this story is related to Anti-Asian Hate and how the anxiety of this ongoing crisis has made me and others think twice about what we wear, drive, live and socialize. I'm sharing this story because it could have ended with total defeat and heartbreak, but because of the power of storytelling and connecting with others, this has a happy and inspiring ending. Bonnie Blue 2.0 served as so much more than just a pretty car. She played a role in fighting Asian Hate.
On the 40th anniversary of the murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin, the AANHPI community is still fighting against racism and invisibilization as well as working towards more representation and empowerment. In March of 2020, when Covid-19 was raging across the U.S. and the world, an episode of “The May Lee Show” featuring Helen Zia, legendary journalist, author and activist, was released. Helen, who covered the Vincent Chin case in Detroit as a young journalist, shares her memories from 40 years ago and how it ignited a movement for change that’s more important now than ever before. This latest episode is an edited re-release of that interview.
The numbers are paltry when it comes to AANHPI representation in politics on every level. According to recent data, AANHPI are the most underrepresented in politics at less than 1%. When it comes to Asian women, the number is even smaller. Meanwhile, Congress is still 74% white and 73% male. Wow! All the more reason to help shape and train potential AANHPI women to run for office and that's exactly what New American Leaders and its Women Rising program is trying to do. In this episode, May speaks with Sara Le Brusq, NAL COO, about how they are preparing women to enter the, often, brutal world of public service as well as talking with Tongan American trainee, Celina Tupou-Fulivai, who wants to serve because she's tired of the invisibilization of AANHPIs like herself. One person, one voice CAN make a difference, but it also takes organizational and community support.
We continue our celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an explosion of events, programs, celebrations, rallies and so much more! May has been diving in head first to help amplify AAPI issues and educate and inform anyone and everyone who's willing to learn with an open heart and mind. AAPIs are making progress, BUT, and it's a big BUT, new studies and surveys by Bain & Company, STAATUS, USA Today and AAJA reveal that progress in many areas including big business, visibility, belonging and media representation is lagging. May highlights these findings as well as calls out the need for activists to fight with real and authentic intention rather than practicing "performative activism". She explains in this episode in her usual unbridled and unapologetic way!
On April 29, 1992 Los Angeles exploded and became a virtual war zone because four white LA police officers were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist, Rodney King. Massive riots were triggered, but much of the violence and destruction took place in Koreatown. Lives were lost, businesses were destroyed, but perhaps the worst damage was the misleading narratives that were perpetuated and inflamed about Black-Korean conflict. 30 years on, there are still misunderstandings and misinformation about the root causes of the LA Riots, but activists, faith leaders, public servants and ordinary people have been working towards better understanding and more unity. May talks with Hyepin Im, President and CEO of FACE LA, Faith and Community Empowerment, who has been at the forefront of building bridges between communities of color. To Im, this is a personal mission to find answers and help heal old wounds.
May is back after a few weeks off to revive, refresh and renew. It's been a trying 2+ years, but she's ready to highlight and tackle AAPI issues and topics again ..the ups and downs, the victories and losses, the love and hate, and everything in between. While May was taking a break from the show, she still stayed active on social media. So this episode is called "Hiatus in Review". It's a compilation of May's commentary, updates, and riffing about social, political, cultural news and issues that she posted on social media. As a bonus, May gives you a peek into some day-in-the-life scenes, including some furry cameos. It's a unique episode, but leave it to May to play by her own rules, but always with purpose!
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May recently did an Instagram Live with activist and NY assembly candidate, Grace Lee. She is the woman who was misidentified as Michelle Go, the woman who was pushed in front of an oncoming subway in NY, by ABC News when attending a vigil for Christina Yuna Lee, who was brutally murdered in her NYC apartment. They talked openly about how AAPI women need to fight against the invisibilization and dehumanization and the need to empower each other as well as other BIPOC communities in order to truly see systemic change.
It's been 2 years since "The May Lee Show" launched as a scrappy, experimental vodcast that set out to elevate AAPI voices and issues. It's been a challenging two years...COVID-19, Anti-Asian Hate, social and political unrest. But something happened recently that made May stop and assess her purpose very deeply...the suicide of Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA, attorney and correspondent for "Extra". In this episode, May, a 55-year-old Asian woman, explains why the suicide of a very successful 31-year-old black woman has shaken her deeply and is prompting her to take a breath and pause. It's honest, it's raw and it's exactly what she wants to say to whomever wants to listen.
On New Year's Day 2022, local news anchor Michelle Li received a racist voicemail from a viewer who had an issue with her story on foods that people eat for New Year's. In the short 20 second story, Michelle mentioned in passing that she had traditional Korean dumplings to celebrate the holiday. The viewer accused her of being "Very Asian" and that she should "keep her Korean to herself". Michelle posted a video herself silently listening to the voicemail on Twitter and it immediately went viral. The uproar was explosive, especially since the AAPI community has been and is STILL dealing with anti-Asian hate for the past two years. Michelle and fellow broadcast journalist Gia Vang decided to turn the hate into something powerfully positive by taking what the viewer meant to be derogatory, "Very Asian", and turn it into something that represents Asian pride...#VeryAsian. That hashtag has, of course, gone viral. Michelle and Gia have a very honest, genuine and, at times, raw conversation with May about the call, the unexpected reaction and why #VeryAsian is so significant to so many.
What a year it’s been, AGAIN! 2021 has been another year full of ups and downs, turmoil and triumphs and overall craziness. BUT, we’ve learned a lot about the world, each other and, hopefully, ourselves. So as we get ready to head into 2022, May wanted to share something uplifting that she experienced with a group of dynamic young women who give us all hope about the future. They are part of “Girl Power Talk”, a purpose-driven organization empowering today’s most capable youth with the confidence, knowledge, and opportunity to become tomorrow’s global leaders. They interviewed May recently for their series, “People We Admire”, but May decided to turn their Zoom interview into the final 2021 episode of “The May Lee Show”. Why? Because the conversation is insightful, inspiring and empowering. A tagline that may adopted recently is “Make an Impact” and these young women of “Girl Power Talk” are doing just that. Happy New Year everyone!
The world of live theatre is largely still a white dominated industry with Asians being a very small minority. Just look at the numbers...66% of theatrical actors and 81% of directors are white, while Asian American directors stand at just 4.5%. When it comes to playwrights, nearly 72% are white versus 5% AAPI. No one has a better perspective on the ups and downs of AAPI playwrights than the masterful David Henry Hwang, one of the most prolific writers, librettists and producers in theatre. His award-winning productions include M. Butterly, Yellow Face, Aida and Soft Power, just to name a few. Hwang has constantly examined social, cultural and political issues through his work and has often questioned identity, racism and belonging. In a new documentary, "The First 20: 20 Years of Asian American Playwriting" on All Arts. Hwang is one of several AAPI playwrights who reflect on their journey and how Asian stories have and continue to evolve on stage. May's conversation with David Henry Hwang delves into his long journey, which includes his own Asian hate attack in 2015 when he almost died and his outlook on how storytelling can make a positive difference.
To watch the documentary use this link.
http://allarts.org/thefirsttwenty
There's something about baking that warms the heart. From the wonderful aroma of cookies in the oven to the fluffiness of a chiffon cake, baked goods are always a crowd pleaser. But let's be honest, when we think about baking, we often equate it to western flavors and styles. Brownies, cupcakes, croissants etc. It's not too often you hear bakers using pandan or miso or gochujang. Enter Kat Lieu, founder of Subtle Asian Baking, a community she created to celebrate baking with an Asian twist. After a fruitless search for one source that aggregated Asian baking recipes, Kat decided to start her own. So as the holiday season kicks off, May decided to speak with Kat about how it all began and how this community of bakers has helped empower the AAPI community and beyond and fight Anti-Asian Hate one cake at a time! And of course, Kat brings on some of her special baked goods on the show so get ready for some holiday treats!
Who doesn’t love coffee? It’s a beloved beverage worldwide, but if you ask coffee lovers who are the biggest producers of coffee beans, most would likely answer “Brazil” or “Columbia”. You’d be hard pressed to get anyone to answer “Vietnam” and yet, the southeast Asian country is the second biggest producer of coffee in the world, but because of false narratives and stereotypes, Vietnamese coffee has been dismissed as inferior. Sahra Nguyen, a Vietnamese American entrepreneur, set out to change that ill-conceived story by starting Nguyen Coffee Supply, from the ground up. She disrupted the conventional coffee industry monopolized by Arabica beans by introducing the world to the beauty of Robusta beans and, at the same time, began the fight against the invisibilization of Asian culture, food and people. The treatment of Vietnamese coffee is a metaphor for how Asians have been treated for centuries.
As a college student, Lela Lee was an angry young woman, but she wasn't sure why. So one night, she took that anger and created a cartoon, "Angry Little Asian Girl". But, she didn't share it. In fact, she put her away FOR YEARS! A local film festival and a twist of fate, however, helped revive Lela's private, therapeutic project and the foul-mouthed "Angry Little Asian Girl" became a kind of hero to women and girls everywhere who were...you guessed it...ANGRY! Lela bootstrapped the raw, honest and hilarious cartoon series doing everything from selling t-shirts to creating a Kickstarter campaign. But how things have changed! Lela and the "Angry Little Asian Girl" along with her friends are ready to take it to the next level! May talked with Lela about the big news and shares her unusual story of success all thanks to a simple drawing that symbolizes the powerful intersection of being female and Asian.
Question: Why is it that when the subjects of voting rights or voter suppression or election results are talked about by the media and politicians, AAPIs are almost always left out of the conversation even though AAPIs are the fastest growing ethnic group AND voting bloc in the country? To this day, Asian Americans are too often an after-thought or even invisibilized in the political arena, but the AAPI Victory Alliance is trying to change that by elevating voices, building partnerships and supporting AAPI political leaders of the future. Not an easy task, but it has to be done especially at a time when Asians have come under constant attack. May sat down with the executive director of AAPI Victory Alliance, Varun Nikore to find out how we can harness our growing power in politics and break down those doors that have kept us out for far too long.
School's in session and May launched her brand new course at USC Annenberg, "AAPI History and Journalism". The class is the first to ever focus Asian American issues at the Annenberg school so this is groundbreaking. But May was FULL of anxiety for several reasons, including pressure to succeed because, as the BIPOC community knows, often we only get one shot to get it right by the "establishment". In this episode, May talks about her initial fear and stress, but also shares part of the classroom experience when her students read their personal essays about being APIDA, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, and what the new class means to them. What they wrote will move and inspire you.
When it comes to “inclusion”, what comes to mind for many of us is race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. But what about people with disabilities? According to the World Bank, 15% of the world’s population experience some form of disability and yet, there are still huge barriers that stand in the way of the disabled to live full and vibrant lives. Marisa Hamamoto, a trained dancer who was temporarily paralyzed, is trying to change the perception of people with disabilities through dance. In 2015, she started “Infinite Flow”, a nonprofit and professional dance company composed of dancers with and without disabilities using dance to promote inclusion and celebrate intersectionality. Marisa was named 1 of 13 People Magazine “Women Changing the World 2021” and listed on InStyle Magazine “Badass 50 2021”. She shares with May her own story of struggle and how her calling to help elevate the disabled has given her true purpose.
From Chinese Chicken Feet to Filipino Balut (fertilized egg) to Indian Eri Polu (silk worm) Asian cuisine is as diverse as it is intriguing. Foods from Asia are steeped in tradition and for each culture, dishes represent identity, pride and comfort. But throughout time, Asian food has been stereotyped as “horrific”, “gross” and “disgusting” whereas cuisines of the west are, often times, revered and praised. It’s an example of “cultural chauvinism”. Recently, James Corden, host of “The Late Late Show” was called out for the “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts” segment, which would, at times, spotlight Asian dishes deemed as disgusting. Artist/activist Kim Saira decided to speak out against the segment and was met with both support and pushback, even death threats. She speaks to May about the experience. Also on the show, two Vietnamese American sisters are trying break Asian food stereotypes with their bold and rambunctious business “Omsom”. Kim and Vanessa Pham are making some serious noise not only with their delicious offerings, but they’re also on a mission to debunk the age-old MSG myth. Guarantee that by the end of this episode, you’ll be hungry and you’re in luck. Omsom is offering all listeners and viewers of “The May Lee Show a coupon for 10% off for a limited time. Go to Omsom.com and use MAYLEESHOW10.
At the stroke of midnight June 15, California lifted most of its COVID restrictions including no more mask mandates for most places including restaurants, gyms, stores, concerts and work places, but there is a catch. Only those who have been fully VACCINATED are permitted to go mask-less. Unvaccinated people are expected to go by the honor system, which leaves skeptics like May more than concerned, especially with the rapid spread of the Delta variant. This is the variant that has devastated India and is spreading around the world at an accelerated pace. The Delta is more severe than the original COVID-19 strain and much more contagious. The WHO expects it to become the dominant variant worldwide. For these reasons, May felt compelled to put out an unexpected episode to talk about the latest news on where we stand with COVID-19, re-opening and the Delta variant.
There is no shortage of dating apps that cover a range of wants and needs out there. Some are open to any and all types of people wanting to find connection. Others target more specific groups such as seniors, LGBTQ, Christians and Jews. And apps even for those who just want to hook-up or have extra-marital affairs! But, there has never been a dating app based in North America meant for Asians to meet each other, until now. Alike is a new video dating app that "celebrates the Asian experience". Its founder, Korean Canadian Hanmin Yang, was inspired to launch the app because of his own difficult experiences growing up with his Asian identity, especially as an Asian male. Alike is in the beta stage, but watch or listen to this episode and May will share a way you can join for free and give it a try! Hanmin says at the core of Alike is healing for the Asian community and encouraging self-love.
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He's been in some of the biggest blockbuster movies including "Power Rangers", "Aquaman" and now the reboot of "Mortal Kombat", but Chinese-born Canadian Ludi Lin isn't letting the fame get to his head. In this episode, he opens up to May about the challenges of anti-Asian hate, Asian representation in Hollywood, the need for Asians to tell our own stories, breaking stereotypes and his personal efforts to be more vulnerable. And on the lighter side, May couldn't help but ask about what he does to be SO physically fit! If you've seen "Mortal Kombat", then you know why she had to ask.
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On February 3, 2021 Filipino American Noel Quintana was on the subway in New York. He was minding his own business when suddenly he was attacked by a total stranger wielding a box cutter. Noel suffered a horrific slash across his face that required more than 100 stitches. But strangely, unlike other victims of anti-Asian hate crimes, Noel hasn’t received as much support even though he will need further medical and psychological care. Add to that a new challenge…he is required to go back to work, but his fear and anxiety is preventing him from taking the subway again. Noel has tried to take Uber or Lyft, but a round trip fare is $100. There is, however, hope because of two Good Samaritans who were strangers to Noel and to each other when they stepped up to help. This is a story of the how utter darkness can be overcome by love and compassion. This episode will, undoubtedly, shock, surprise and inspire you.
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There are a number of reports and data on the state of the AAPI community when it comes to income, education, politics and, of course, racism, but there are hardly any surveys about how Asians are perceived by others. In fact, the last time a study that measured the attitudes and perceptions of AAPIs was more than 20 years ago, until now. A new non-profit group, Leading Asian Americans Unite for Change or LAAUNCH, just released its Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S. report. It reveals fascinating and eye-opening data including how age-old stereotypes of Asians are still front and center and how some believe anti-Asian racism isn’t a problem or, even worse, doesn’t exist. May speaks to the co-founder of LAAUNCH, Norman Chen, about the new report and how it can help reshape misleading narratives and stereotypes.
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Being brave together — it’s one of the three calls to action from @asiansarestrong founders Hudson Liao and Jeremy Jong. In light of the growing number of anti-asian hate crimes and assaults, these two friends decided to take action and produce self-defense videos online. But recently, their skills were put to the test when they stopped a robbery of an Asian family's car in San Francisco. Part of Hudson and Jeremy's quick action was caught on a security camera and when May saw that footage, she had talk with the heroes to get the full details. This episode is a recording of an Instagram Live where May, Hudson and Jeremy talk about the incident as well as why they started @asiansarestrong and what we can do to defend ourselves during these uncertain and anxious times.
Traditionally, punishment for crimes committed is often imprisonment, but it's rare when incarceration changes the convicted criminal for the better. In this time of such division, anger and violence especially related to communities of color, the concept of Restorative Justice is being talked about more often. For perpetrators, restorative justice involves education and rehabilitation rather than imprisonment. For victims, it means stronger physical, emotional and psychological support from the community. So is restorative justice the answer to the growing problem of violent crime, hate, a broken prison system, controversial policing? May has a very honest talk with David Ryan Barcega Castro-Harris, founder of Amplify RJ, about these issues. Both share some ideas that some might find off-putting and/or controversial, but please keep in mind that their intention is to inform by having tough conversations that can sometimes be uncomfortable.
This is a recording of an Instagram Live that May had recently on the subject of Self-Hate and Internalized Racism. These issues, in the past, were rarely spoken about especially within the Asian community because of shame, embarrassment and lack of awareness. But when Republican congressional candidate in Texas, Sery Kim, a Korean immigrant, openly said she doesn't want Chinese immigrants here in the U.S. and blamed them for COVID-19, she triggered a fire storm of debate, not only over racism, but specifically racism amongst Asians. What's at the root of this? Are we all guilty of this kind of racism? Have we all suffered from a form of self-hate because of it? Keep in mind that this IG Live was an experiment in engaging with followers and allowing for two way dialogue. May plans more of these open discussions in the future.
The mass shooting in Georgia that left 8 people dead, 6 of them Asian women, has ripped open painful wounds for the AAPI community. For more than a year, anti-Asian hate has been sweeping across the US like wildfire and the massacre on March 16 was what Asians feared would happen. Three Asian spas were targeted by a 21-year old, white, male shooter who claimed to authorities that he had a "sex addiction" and this was his way of taking away temptations. The shooting has yet to be deemed as a hate crime, which has drawn heavy criticism and outrage from AAPIs as well as other communities. This is only intensifying the feeling that Asians have had for centuries...invisibility. But the Georgia shootings have unlocked countless voices and triggered a tsunami of protests. This episode compiles the week of May's video reaction and commentary starting from the night of the shooting as well as media interviews and panel discussions she took part in. The emotions are raw, but we must share our stories so we are seen, heard and respected. #stopasianhate
Anti-Asian assaults are sky rocketing across the country so why aren't more hate crime charges being filed? Antoine Watson, the suspect in the murder of 84-year old Vichar Ratanapakdee, the elderly Thai man who died after being pushed to the ground, has only been charged with murder and elder abuse, but not a hate crime. Salman Muflihi, the man who stabbed a 36-year old man in the back in New York City was initial charged with a hate crime, but then authorities retracted it. Patrick Mateo, who shoved and injured an Asian woman to the ground in Queens after yelling racial slurs at her, was released one day after his arrest without bail and only charged with a misdemeanor. These incidents seem to be obvious hate crimes so why aren't we seeing charges and convictions? In this episode, May speaks with Shan Wu, attorney, former federal prosecutor and CNN legal analyst. He helps break down the complex nature of what constitutes a hate crime and why prosecutors need to be more courageous and creative in their pursuits. This episode is guaranteed to answer burning questions and clarify a lot of confusion.
The recent slew of attacks against Asians across the U.S. has raised the level of shock and disgust, but this time it's not just amongst the AAPI community. The general public is paying attention as well. The video of 84 year old Vichar Ratanapakdee being pushed and killed or the 91 year old Asian man being shoved on the sidewalk in Oakland or an Asian woman being knocked down by a stranger in New York or armed robbers ransacking and shooting a store owner…the list of atrocities is long. Why is the world finally paying attention to crimes against Asians? Because so many vulnerable senior citizens are being attacked…the people who should be respected and honored, which is at the very core of Confucianism. In this episode, May speaks to the filmmakers of “Happy Cleaners”, a film about a Korean immigrant family in America that struggles with being “the other”, invisible, less than. It’s a story about the sacrifice of Asian parents and grandparents for their children and why we need to recognize their heroic and painful efforts. May also speaks to Mike Kim, founder of the Korea Legacy Committee, a non-profit group in Korea that feeds the elderly who live in poverty. And here’s the shocking part…nearly 50% of elderly in Korea live below the poverty line, that’s the highest of any of the 37 OECD countries. This episode is sure to inspire and motivate you.
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It's been one year since the launch of "The May Lee Show" and what a year it's been! What started off as a modest attempt at focusing on and elevating the voices of the Asian and Asian American community quickly became something relevant, relatable and reliable to viewers and listeners of the show. From the highest of highs...Parasite's sweep of the Oscars, to the lowest of lows...xenophobic attacks against Asians triggered by COVID-19, "The May Lee Show" spotlighted and tackled issues and topics from a distinctly Asian American angle with depth, truth and purpose. The uniqueness of the show attracted high-profile guests including Maggie Q, Daniel Wu, Kevin Kwan, Shannon Lee, Kevin Kreider and Bowen Yang all of whom spoke openly and freely about things they either rarely or never talk about in interviews. In this anniversary episode, May reflects back on the year with her business partner and friend, Benny Luo of NextShark. They don't hold back on sharing their thoughts, especially when it comes to the ups and downs of a startup and the state of the AAPI community.
The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as U.S. President and Vice President was history in the making. Biden is now the oldest person to become President and Harris is the first woman and first Black-Asian person to be VP. After four tumultuous years of the Trump presidency, the Biden-Harris team has an Everest sized mountain to climb...COVID-19, economic recession, a nation divided and climate change, just to name a few. In this episode, May shares her thoughts on Inauguration Day, a day full of tears and relief for her, as well as offers news and insights on what's ahead for the country and the world. This is a crucial turning point in just about every way, but as poet laureate Amanda Gorman beautiful said at the ceremony,
"The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it."
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The start of 2021 hasn't brought much relief when it comes to COVID-19. Cases are exploding, hospitalizations are rising and deaths are climbing. The light at the end of this dark tunnel, however, is the rollout of vaccines. So far Pfizer and Moderna have received emergency approval and distributed vaccines in the U.S., but it's been slow going. There is, however, another major player that will be joining the fight with a new vaccine. Johnson and Johnson is about to release findings on its phase three clinical trial by the end of January and if all goes well, the one-dose vaccine will be released as early as February. 45-thousand people took part in the phase three clinical trial and May was one of them. She volunteered back in December to help the cause, especially because people of color are often underrepresented in vaccine research. In this episode, May walks us through her experience and talks to Dr. Kenneth Kim of Ark Clinical Research who conducted J&J's trials in Southern California. This is an extremely informative and educational episode!
2020 has been a year like no other! From the global pandemic that turned the world upside down to the xenophobia it triggered against Asians to the social, economic and political fallout, 2020 has pushed us all to the edge. But it also gave some of us a chance to find more purpose including May. This was the year that she and NextShark decided to launch "The May Lee Show", a program meant to focus on and celebrate all things Asian and Asian American. They took the plunge in early February not knowing what was in store, but the risk has been worth it as listeners and viewers from around the world embraced the program. In this final episode of 2020, May talks about the journey so far and reflects on some of her guests, topics and lessons learned. She, like most of us, is ready to say "SO LONG 2020 AND HELLO 2021!"
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It’s the holiday season and there’s no better way to celebrate than to bake delicious treats! Believe it or not, May, the woman who usually uses her oven as a shoe rack, has a tradition of baking Christmas cookies every year and in this highly unusual time of such anxiety and uncertainty, she wanted to share her love of holiday baking AND talk to someone who has made it her life’s mission to use the art of cookie making to educate, inform and inspire. Jasmine Cho, baker, author and founder of Yummyholic.com, creates some of the most incredible cookie portraits to bring the stories of prominent AAPI figures to life as well as help breakdown racial and ethnic stereotypes. That’s why Jasmine is widely known as the “cookie activist”!
Daniel Martin is no stranger to the world of celebrity beauty. In fact, the Vietnamese American makeup artist has had a direct impact on the look of many A-listers including Priyanka Chopra, Gemma Chan and Jessica Alba. But perhaps his highest profile client is good friend Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Daniel was responsible for creating a beautifully natural look for Meghan for the royal wedding, which was watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide. But don't think for second that any of that went to Daniel's head. He is consistently described as humble, kind and genuine. Daniel and May had a heart to heart conversation about his experiences, including a discovery about his Vietnamese mother he has never spoken about in public before. It's a fascinating story!
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This Thanksgiving season is, like most everything else in 2020, unusually challenging. The pandemic has intensified loss, grief and pain in so many ways. But during these difficult times, we’re are witnessing courage, survival and hope. In this episode, May sits down with someone who is the very symbol of surviving darkness with bravery and strength. Wendy Nguyen, fashion guru and creator of the phenomenally successful wendyslookbook.com, tells the story of her years of sexual abuse, which began when she was just 5 years old, how she survived foster care, near homelessness and her eventual self-made success. Wendy’s life is a story of hope and unexpected blessings...a true inspiration during these especially trying times.
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After two days of feeling relieved that the election was over, the level of anxiety and conflict has shot up once again. President Donald Trump is refusing to concede to Joe Biden, who was declared the winner after surpassing the magic number of 270 electoral votes. Trump has filed lawsuits in several battleground states claiming voter fraud and irregularities. This is delaying the transition of power, a process that requires, not only time, but allocated government financial resources. In this episode, May tries to break down the current state of the post-election chaos and what to expect in the legal battles, the recounts and the certification process. It's complex and tedious, but May tries her best to put it in laymen's terms so we can ALL understand what is going on. One thing is for sure, IT AIN'T OVER!
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There is no doubt that Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is a hero, a trailblazer and woman of many firsts. First Thai American woman elected to Congress, first person born in Thailand elected to Congress, first woman with a disability elected to Congress, first female double amputee in the Senate, and first senator to give birth while in office. Sen. Duckworth fought on the battlefield because of her love of country and she continues to fight for the country’s integrity with courage and fearlessness. May speaks with the Senator about election 2020 and how we, as a nation, must come together to preserve and protect our democracy. And May may have called Sen. Duckworth a "Badass"...maybe.
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With just one week left before Election Day 2020, a record number of voters have already cast their ballots in what is being called the most consequential election of our time. Historically, Asian Americans have had some of the lowest voter turnout, which has been interpreted as apathy and disinterest. But as the fastest growing voting block in the country, AAPIs are more engaged and making a difference. A new AAPI Voter Survey by AAPI Data takes a detailed look at the breakdown of voters including who they favor, what issues are most important and how COVID-19 has exponentially impacted the AAPIs compared to other communities of color. The data is both fascinating and shocking.
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"The May Lee Show" continues to focus on the upcoming election, which, many say, is the most consequential election of a lifetime. In this episode, May speaks with Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu, one of the few Asian members of the House of Representatives and perhaps, the most vocal especially when it comes to criticizing President Trump. Rep. Lieu is mission focused on calling the President out on Twitter anytime he posts misinformation or out right lies. May delves into Ted Lieu's motivation behind his actions as well as how the AAPI community can play a bigger and more important role in changing our overall narrative in order to elevate our voices and identities.
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There are now exactly 3 weeks left before Election Day on November 3 so May wanted to dedicate this episode to what's at stake, what research is telling us and how Asian voters can make a very big difference IF and only if we vote! This election is, perhaps, the most consequential election in modern history and if you don't think it is, think about what we're facing...a continuing worldwide pandemic that isn't going away, economic chaos, increased racism against Asians, social unrest, climate change, white supremacy...the list goes on and on. So if you think your vote won't matter...YOU'RE WRONG! This is a pivotal moment for the United States and the world.
The world of hip-hop is often seen as dominated by urban, black men with very few women able to penetrate the inner sanctum. But one Korean-Canadian woman not only got inside, Sophia Chang broke down barriers and was completely and totally embraced by hip-hop. Her work in A&R and marketing with some of the biggest names in music including ODB, RZA, A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan catapulted Sophia into history as the first Asian female in hip-hop. Her amazing story is now in her memoir, “The Baddest Bitch in the Room”. May and Sophia had A LOT to talk about including how being “the other” helped fuel their determination to fight racism, division and hatred. This is a badass interview you don’t want to miss.
Growing up in the giant shadow of the world’s greatest martial artist has and continues to be a journey of discovery on multiple levels for Shannon Lee. As the daughter of Bruce Lee, she has had to process tragic loss at a very young age, fanatical fans of her father, the heartbreaking death of her older brother and her search to finding her own true identity. In this episode, Shannon shares stories of Bruce Lee, her mother Linda and her beloved brother Brandon. Shannon also shares how the words of her father have inspired her throughout her life…words that she’s now sharing with the world in a new book, “Be Water My Friend, the teachings of Bruce Lee”.
One of the many downsides of quarantining has been the restrictions on professional grooming. So many of us have not been able to get a hair cut, including May who started referring to herself as “Cousin It” from “The Adams Family”. But recently, one of the hottest celebrity stylists, Anh Co Tran, came to save the day. His jaw-dropping roster of clients includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Aimee Song and Michelle Dockery. May, not only got a new look, but she also had a chance to sit down with Anh and get to know the man behind the glitz and glamor. Anh’s story is one about escape, sacrifice, family and passion. At the end of this episode, May also addresses current events including her unfiltered take on the dark COVID-19 milestone, Donald Trump and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Music by: https://www.bensound.com/
In 2019, the late-night live television sketch comedy show, “Saturday Night Live” added a cast member that drew a collective “Finally!” from the Asian-American community. After a year of cutting his teeth as an SNL writer, Bowen Yang was promoted as a full-time cast member, making him the first Chinese-American to be given that coveted role.
Bowen is also on the hit show “Nora from Queens”, which stars Awkwafina and his podcast “Las Culturistas”, with co-host Matt Rogers, is still going strong. So needless to say, Bowen Yang is on fire! In this episode, May and Bowen have a deep and very honest conversation about everything from his comedic pursuits to coming out as gay and the conversion therapy that his parents signed up for to his support of Asian American solidarity.
Creating original videos online has never been easier or more popular thanks to the explosion of user friendly apps that are giving anyone and everyone a creative outlet to be seen and heard. Until recently, TikTok seemed to be the only game in town, but fears of privacy breaches and a presidential threat to ban TikTok in the U.S. have helped elevate the app Triller. What started in 2015 as a modest platform to help struggling musicians edit and distribute music has now become THE social media platform for all kinds of content creators and artists like Snoop Dog, Cardi B and Alicia Keys. Mike Lu, founder and CEO of Triller, had big dreams for his company when he launched it and now those dreams are becoming a reality. In this episode, Mike shares his beginnings, the stunning growth of the company now and the huge plans he has for Triller going forward.
Being featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition is, arguably, the most coveted gig to land in the world of modeling and Mia Kang did just that two years in a row. First as winner of SI’s 2016 model search and then being named Rookie of the Year in 2017. But the young British-Korean’s outward beauty did not reflect her painful internal struggles with insecurity and self-hatred, which led to dangerous eating disorders and thoughts of suicide. A trip to Thailand, however, changed everything when she discovered the martial art Muay Thai and found both her physical and mental power. Since then, Mia has been on a journey towards self-care, self-love and self-confidence, which she shares openly and honestly with her many fans and followers. Mia Kang’s metamorphosis from darkness to light is a story of true survival and grit.
Korean American singer, songwriter and musician James Lee was well on his way to becoming an established star in Asia when fate took a cruel turn. A horrific accident in Seoul, Korea left James with a nearly severed hand, which changed the trajectory of his personal and professional life. But in the darkest moments, James somehow found slivers of light and much of it came from his love of music. In this episode, which was first recorded in early March before COVID-19 slammed the U.S., May sat down with James to talk about his highs, lows, pains and triumphs. This is a truly inspirational story.
In this episode, May first addresses some of the latest incidents of racism happening across the country and shares her insights and views. Then she gets right into Part 2 of “Dating in the Age of COVID-19”, which focuses on people who have turned crisis into opportunity. May talks to Anna Li, an MBA student who launched a dating service inspired by the Netflix show “Love is Blind”. The results have been surprising. And May also speaks with the producers of the live series “Zoom Bachelorette” and “Zoom Bachelor”, which started off as a haphazard concept, but quickly turned into an unexpected online hit.
Has dating become another victim of COVID-19? When everyone is stuck at home how is it even possible to date and build a relationship? Well, May was curious to find out how the pandemic is impacting the world of dating and how people are adjusting to this new normal. In Part 1 of “Dating in the Time of COVID-19”, May talks with dating expert and co-host of the podcast “Dateable” Yue Xu about the dramatic changes in dating behavior including the death of “F*#% Boys” and shares some of her tips on how to find connection.
Singaporean-American Kevin Kwan, author of best-seller “Crazy Rich Asians”, is on fire! Following the incredible achievement of the movie, not to mention the overall success of the Crazy Rich Asians book trilogy, Kevin is now out with a new book, “Sex and Vanity”. Already a New York Times best-seller, the book delves into familiar topics of snobbery and wealth, but also examines deeper issues of identity, racism and being “the other”. In this episode, Kevin opens up about his childhood, his influences and his need to strike while the iron is red hot!
K-pop and social justice...two things that, in the past, would have never been associated with each other, but how things have changed. The growing power of K-pop and its global base of young and tech savvy fans is changing the narrative. Loyal fans of popular groups like BTS are moving beyond the stereotype of the obsessed screaming girl to a place where they have real power and influence to incite change. Whether it's the Black Lives Matter movement or throwing off Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, K-pop fans are making their mark in surprising ways. In this episode, May speaks to Hye Jin Lee, a scholar who studies K-pop and global fandom, about the continuing evolution of K-pop. May also gets perspective from a devoted BTS fan whose activism has been inspired by the mega-group.
The notorious Lena Hernandez of Torrance was finally arrested on July 3rd on charges of misdemeanor battery, but she was released the same day after posting a $1 bail. In this episode, May speaks to two of the three victims, Kayceelyn Salminao, who was assaulted last October and Sherry Bulseco, whose park workout turned assault video went viral. They share their thoughts on the battery charge filed by the Torrance city attorney against Lena Hernandez, her arrest and the overwhelmingly emotional response from the public over this case. The victims’ attorney also joins May to explain the $1 bail and gives her a preview of what lies ahead in the trial of Lena Hernandez.
The on-going saga of Lena Hernandez and her three victims in Torrance, CA continues. There is still no word on what the Torrance City Attorney plans on doing with the case and it’s up to him to make the decision on whether to file charges against Hernandez or not. The delay and many missteps in dealing with the three cases, especially the physical assault of Kayceelyn Salminao in October of 2019 has forced all three victims to join forces and hire an attorney to help in their pursuit of justice. May has an exclusive interview with Sandy Roxas of Sandy Roxas Law who explains the unique aspects of the case against Lena Hernandez and the legal strategy they have planned to seek justice. May also talks about an exchange between a concerned Torrance resident and the city’s Mayor that will surprise you.
We are nearly 6 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, but no where near the end as numbers of cases and deaths continue to rise, especially in the U.S. Some states are experiencing the highest daily number of positive cases and hospitalizations since the pandemic began and now younger people make up more than 40% of new cases. But even with this disturbing trend, there’s a growing number of people who refuse to adhere to safety guidelines. They won’t wear masks, won’t social distance and won’t stay home. In this episode, May talks to three doctors who earlier battled the intense peak of COVID-19 on the frontlines and now fear that things will get even worse.
Lena Hernandez is now an infamous figure around the world as videos of her violent verbal assaults against two Asian Americans in Torrance, California went viral. Her racist tirades and death treats sent shock waves throughout the Asian community and beyond, but what added fuel to the fire is the discovery that Hernandez had physically assaulted an Asian American woman last year. However, the case went nowhere. As a journalist, May had to start investigating these similar incidents and dig into what was behind the lack of action on the part of Torrance Police and city officials. Her call to action triggered a wave of demands, but there’s still plenty of mystery that shrouds the Lena Hernandez case. May got an exclusive interview will Kayceelyn Salminao, who was violently attacked by Hernandez in October of 2019. Her detailed account of what happened then, what she’s still dealing with now and the lack of transparency by officials are eye opening.
Daniel Wu is a groundbreaker, much like his idol Bruce Lee. As an Asian American man, Daniel broke down racial barriers in Hollywood by becoming one of the first Asian leading men in a television series. For three seasons, Daniel was executive producer and star of “Into the Badlands”, a post-apocalyptic martial arts drama. Although Daniel was born and raised in America, it was Hong Kong that helped shape his acting career and to become a bonafide movie star. But Hong Kong gave Daniel something else, a sense of belonging as an Asian. He never felt like “the other” or an “outsider”. It was only when he came back to the U.S. when he felt his minority status again and the recent COVID-19 related racism and the killing of George Floyd has inspired Daniel to speak up about inequality and the need for justice. In this episode, May finds out more about Daniel's journey as a badass leading man, his love of Bruce Lee and how he's teaching his young daughter about race and identity.
Bruce Lee is, without a doubt, the most legendary martial arts figure in modern history. During his short life, which ended tragically when he was only 32 years old, Lee, not only transformed the image of traditional Kung Fu into an art form that had a much broader appeal, he also fought to break down racial and cultural barriers at a time when the civil rights movement was growing in the U.S. Lee’s own experiences with racism and being treated as “the other” influenced how he moved in the world and his identity as an Asian American. A new documentary, “Be Water”, examines the evolution of Bruce Lee and emphasizes the idea that the icon was much more than just a martial arts legend…he was a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional man who cared deeply about equality, justice and diversity…all issues that are in focus right now in the wake of COVID-19 related xenophobia against Asians and the brutal death of George Floyd. In this episode, May has a deep and powerful conversation with the director of “Be Water’ Bao Nguyen.
We thought the chaos, confusion and fear caused by COVID-19 was more than we could handle, but then the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota took things to an explosive level. The outrage has swept across the U.S. and the world as the reality of racism in America was made very clear once again. As we experience social unrest, economic turmoil, cultural clashes and political division, so many of us are struggling with extreme emotions, which is leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. That’s why May called upon Pastor Eugene Cho, an outspoken spiritual leader and activist, to have an open and frank conversation about the state of the world and how we can navigate these tumultuous times with hope, action and love.
For three decades Kelly Hu has blazed a trail as an Asian American in the bright and, sometimes, brutal world of entertainment even though she actually never intended on becoming an actor. But a combination of timing, luck and a bit of curiosity led Kelly down a long and lasting path in TV and film. When not acting, she focuses on activism especially for Asian American causes and in light of the recent rise in racism, Kelly is openly speaking up about the issue. She and May had a very open, honest and lively heart to heart talk about everything from career, family life, dating, advocacy and frozen embryos! You don’t want to miss this one!
We cap off our celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a special episode honoring heroes of COVID-19. In every community, there are people who are answering the call to help those in need during this time of crisis. You’ll meet a Chinese American doctor on the frontline of the war against COVID-19 in New York City, who has felt both celebrated and villainized by the public, but his focus remains clear…to save lives. You'll hear about how college students stepped up to help provide every day items like toiletries, food and toys for essential workers and their families. And meet a man whose medical technology company is on the cutting edge of making COVID-19 testing and tracking available to anyone with a smartphone. These are the heroes that exemplify compassion, empathy and selflessness.
Going barefoot, climbing trees and caring for animals in Hawaii was part of every day life for a young Maggie Q. She never thought her idyllic, simple life would turn into one that eventually led her to Hollywood where she would become an A-list star with roles in blockbusters films including “Mission Impossible 3” with Tom Cruise. But to this day, Maggie’s true passions are her love of animals and the environment. She uses her influence to bring attention to these issues by not just talking the talk, but walking the walk as an animal activist and eco-conscious entrepreneur. May and Maggie first met 13 years ago in Singapore. May had had her own talk show and Maggie was promoting “Live Free or Die Hard”. They hadn’t seen each since, but in this interview they connected as if no time had passed and had an incredibly meaningful, deep and, at times, hilarious conversation. Look out for cameos by both May and Maggie’s rescue dogs…and a near on-air disaster that wreaked joyful havoc!
We continue to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a special interview with Adele Lim, television and film writer and producer who is best known as the co-screenwriter for the blockbuster hit “Crazy Rich Asians”. Adele was tapped to write the sequel to the film, but then walked away from the project when she discovered her writing fee was a fraction of what her white, male co-writer was offered. Adele took a bold stand proving she is not only, a badass woman, but also someone who isn’t afraid to take action to incite change. May’s original conversation with Adele was before COVID-19 hit in February so this episode is two parts…the original interview and a more updated chat where they both share their thoughts on everything from xenophobia to the future of Hollywood post-pandemic.
“Does it Spark Joy?” That’s the question professional organizer Marie Kondo made famous. She poses this question when clients need to decide whether to keep something or let it go. But there’s much more to this exercise than just purging material things. It goes deeper into what a person truly NEEDS versus what they WANT. That same approach is used in Kondo’s new book “Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life” co-authored by organizational psychologist and researcher Scott Sonenshein. The timing of this book may seem strange when the COVID-19 crisis has forced many of us to work from home or led to job loss. But here’s the twist, the book delves into, not only, organizing your physical and digital work space, but also provides useful tips on how to simplify your life by removing unnecessary distractions and discover what really inspires, motivates and sparks the joy in you. In this episode, May has a very meaningful talk with Scott Sonenshein about the book and beyond.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and “The May Lee Show” is dedicating the month to highlight the identity, contributions and challenges experienced by Asian Americans. To kick off the celebratory month, this episode previews the upcoming documentary series “Asian Americans”, which will air on PBS May 11 & 12. The series covers the 150 year history of Asians in America including the struggles of Chinese railroad workers, the internment of Japanese Americans, the early Hollywood pioneers and the Asian trailblazers of Silicon Valley. The Asian American experience is vast, diverse and profound and the 5 hour series is a bold attempt at authentically telling the stories of Asians through the lens of Asians. May talks with Academy Award nominee Renee Tajima-Pena, the producer of “Asian Americans” about the making of the series and the important lessons that history can teach us, especially now in light of COVID-19 and the racism against Asians today.
Imagine being one of the fastest growing boba tea outlets in the country with 17 stores and counting, employing 400 people and a scheduled coast-to-coast book tour about to kick off, but then in just one day, it all comes to a screeching halt. That’s what happened to Andrew Chau and Bin Chen, co-founders of "Boba Guys", an artisanal boba tea business that started in 2011 as a pop-up. As COVID-19 hit the San Francisco Bay Area early on, Andrew and Bin made the difficult decision to play it safe and shut down all their stores in three cities in just one day. To say it was painful would be an understatement. In this episode, May speaks with Andrew Chau from his home in San Francisco to find out what happened, how he and his team are getting through and even shares Boba Guys’ most popular recipe.
On Monday in his daily press conference, Donald Trump declared that as president he has “total authority”. This was in response to the moves that state governors were making to deal with the pandemic on their own. The comments made by President Trump should alarm everyone who still cares about democracy and what the United States of America stands for. And for Asian Americans, this bent towards a dictatorial, authoritarian style of governing by Trump should be a wakeup call given our own cultural histories. May puts this all into perspective and sees this as a rallying cry to change the tide for the sake of the sacrifices our families made to be in America and be Americans.
Even in the darkness of the COVID-19 crisis, there is light in the form of acts of kindness and compassion all over the world. From Asian nail salons to billionaires, people are stepping forward to help in whatever they can. In this episode, May highlights the efforts of everyone from ordinary private citizens to restaurants to fashion designers who are all using their skills to make a positive difference. Peri Donch, an eco-conscious fashion designer took it upon herself to make masks for the most vulnerable in Los Angeles. Founders of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Ed Lee and Wing Lam, are doing all they can to rally the hard hit restaurant industry with innovative new strategies, including feeding health care workers and the underprivileged. This episode celebrates the humanity that is shining through in this time of critical need.
After the last episode of “The May Lee Show” when May and Benny Luo, founder of NextShark, called out the Asian community, especially those with influence, about not being more vocal about xenophobic attacks against Asians, more voices are now being heard publicly condemning racism and supporting the Asian American community. There are also a growing number of grassroots campaigns to raise awareness of this disturbing phenomenon. In this episode of the show, May speaks with Celia Au, actress and activist who is involved with #WashTheHate. May also digs into the history of racism in America with Dr. Connie Wun, co-founder of AAPI Women Lead. They talk about how historic events have impacted the continuation of racist attitudes about minorities by the majority, but also racism within minority groups. What can we learn from history and how can we take those lessons and use them now to incite positive change in order to move forward together?
For several weeks, “The May Lee Show”, a co-production of Lotus Media House and NextShark, has been covering the COVID-19 crisis from all angles, including the disturbing growth in racist attacks against Asians. They have been working tirelessly to monitor all developments using many sources in order to bring listeners and viewers the best information about the disease. Because of their commitment to good journalistic standards, they go above and beyond what other sources on social media are willing to do to verify stories before they report them. They also have been monitoring the activity of Asian American leaders, influencers and celebrities on the subject of rampant Asian xenophobia. Although a few have boldly stepped forward to condemn the racism openly, many others have remained silent. In this episode, May Lee and NextShark founder, Benny Luo, speak openly and honestly about the relative silence from high-profile Asians as well as the work they’ve been doing to cover the crisis in a deeper more meaningful way for the community.
As the seriousness of the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rise, so, too, does racism against Asians and Asian Americans. This isn’t the first time Asian Americans have been targeted and used as a scapegoat. In 1982, Chinese American Vincent Chin was brutally murdered by autoworkers who blamed Japan for factory closures in Detroit. Helen Zia was a young journalist at that time and this crime further ignited her motivation to fight racism and other injustices. In this episode of “The May Lee Show”, May talks with legendary activist Helen Zia about her life’s work fighting for Asian Americans, women and LGBTQs. Helen also talks about her latest book, “Last Boat Out of Shanghai”, which tells the epic story of numbers mainland Chinese who fled Moa Zedong’s communist revolution.
In another special episode of “The May Lee Show” May focuses on security and psychology. With the growing fears and anxiety fueled by COVID-19, what can we do to feel safer and more secure especially when assaults against Asians is increasing at an alarming rate? May speaks with a security expert who provides practical tips. And what about the impact of social distancing, isolation and overall disruption? What are some useful tools that can help us get through these tumultuous times? May gets some advice from a psychologist.
As the Novel Coronavirus crisis continues to grow around the world, the anxiety and panic is increasing exponentially. To this day there is so much misinformation about everything from the virus itself to what precautions to take to what guidelines the public should follow. In this episode, May talks to emergency room doctors on the front lines who are dealing with the pandemic day in and day out. Their perspective is honest, raw and critically important. May also speaks with a lead infectious disease and vaccine researcher who is developing a COVID-19 vaccine. She and her team at Inovio Pharmaceuticals are on the verge of starting clinical trials that, hopefully, will lead to an approved vaccine to defeat this global threat.
May has a lot more to say about the growing Corona Virus crisis and the continued xenophobia that Asians around the world are dealing with, but she also has a message of thanks and hope to followers of "The May Lee Show", one of whom is basketball superstar Jeremy Lin. She also shares more practical advice on how to stay safe and healthy physically as well as mentally.
As Corona Virus 19 continues to sweep across the globe, the hysteria continues to overwhelm communities from Asia, to Europe to the U.S. Unfortunately, the fear is intensifying verbal and physical assaults against Asians around the world, most of whom have no connection to the the virus. Asians of all backgrounds are being randomly targeted without any provocation and many victims have no recourse. The media is also playing a hand in inflaming stereotypes by repeatedly using images of Asians regardless of the geographic location of the COVID-19 incident. In this special episode, May Lee felt compelled to speak up and address the madness of what’s going on and also shares some practical health guidelines from a Corona Virus expert.
It was just over a decade when an unknown fitness teacher in Boston, Cassey Ho, made a simple workout video for her students and put it up on YouTube. It was only meant for her 30 pilates students to use when Cassey couldn’t make it to her classes at the gym. But that one video catapulted Cassey into the internet universe and launched what would become an incredibly successful fitness empire. Her Blogilates Channel on YouTube has more than 4 million subscribers and has racked up over 500 million views. But with great success came even greater scrutiny. Cassey, who prided herself on using her authentic voice in her fitness blogs about everything from body image to her Asian pride drew criticism, whether it was warranted or not. That led Cassey to lose her own identity, voice and motivation. She knew, however, she had to make a big change in order to, not only survive, but thrive once more. In this episode of “The May Lee Show”, Cassey opens up to May about all the highs and lows and where she is today.
If you only judge a book by its cover, then Ben Baller with his multiple tattoos, big diamond earrings and dark sunglasses is the epitome of a rebel with a mean attitude. But dig deeper, and you find a phenomenally driven, creative and outspoken Korean American who has succeeded in just about everything he’s tried. Born in Los Angeles, California, Ben Baller, whose real surname is Yang, was one of the first Asians to play both NCAA football and basketball. He was one of the only Asians working in the world of Rap and Hip Hop when Dr. Dre hired him as VP of A&R at Aftermath Records where Ben racked up 21 platinum album credits. Then in 2005, he jumped into the jewelry business creating elaborate, sometimes, over the top pieces for celebrities and VIPs including Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Tom Cruise.
Growing up a Korean adoptee in Philadelphia had more than its fair share of challenges for Kevin Kreider. Although he was fully embraced by his caucasian parents and brother, Kevin knew he was different and his peers didn’t let him forget that. He was constantly bullied and discriminated against for the way he looked. Racial insults were regularly hurled at him…”Hey, Bruce Lee!”, “Ching Chang Chong!”. Those experiences skewed his self image and made him feel “ugly" and "less than". But with a lot of soul searching, Kevin discovered his true identity as an Asian man and set out on a mission to change negative stereotypes and misperceptions. He transformed his physical body and became a model and fitness guru and now openly speaks about the importance of redefining Asian Masculinity. This week, May sits down with Kevin to talk about his upbringing, struggles, self-discovery and how reconnecting with his Asian identity has changed the way he approaches dating.
Parasite and director Bong Joon Ho ruled the night at the 92nd Academy Awards! The dark comedy-drama surprised nearly everyone when it swept in some of the biggest Oscar categories including Best Director and Best Film. For the Korean and Asian community, the recognition is a moment of pride and inspiration as well as a symbol of true arrival on the main stage of both entertainment and cultural relevance. In this special episode of “The May Lee Show”, May honestly talks about the significance of this achievement and what it means for the movement of better representation and diversity as well as some of the ignorance that still pervades society when it comes to understanding Asians and our contributions.
Since Shiza Shahid was a child growing up in volatile Pakistan, she championed human rights and fought for the voiceless. Her passion led her to work side by side with Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl who became an activist for girls education and was shot by the Taliban for her beliefs. Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund and helped build it into a powerful force for good. Shiza is carrying on her mission of social good with unique entrepreneurial pursuits, including a new cookware line that truly gives back to communities around the world. Shiza shares her phenomenal stories of seeking justice and doing what’s right on this episode of “The May Lee Show”.
The Coronavirus is causing a lot anxiety around the world as the number of deaths and people infected continues to rise exponentially, but the virus is shrouded in mystery and that's triggering a lot of misinformation and fear. Not only is the Coronavirus a health threat, it's also setting off xenophobic behavior around the world as Asians are being targeted in racist incidents. In this episode of "The May Lee Show", May talks to a medical expert to find out more about the Coronavirus to separate fact from fiction and a psychologist about the impact racism is having on the Asian community.
This week, May talks to maverick entrepreneur Toni Ko. Toni’s story of success truly represents the American Dream. Her family immigrated to the U.S. from Korea with only $2000 and opened a budget beauty store. Toni struck out on her own at age 25 when she started NYX Cosmetics. In 2014, cosmetics giant L'Oreal bought NYX for a reported $500 million. In 2019, Toni was on the Forbes list of America's top self-made women. But selling her company wasn’t what it was all cracked up to be and Toni knew what she had to do.
In our inaugural episode, NextShark founder Benny Luo joins May Lee as they discuss their unique backgrounds, what brought them together, current issues concerning the AAPI community and the ultimate mission of the podcast.