Shows / ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST
Ken Fong gets to the heart of Asian American culture, history, and spirituality. Through interviews with culture-makers and -shapers in the Asian American community -- some you know, others you've never heard of before -- prepare to laugh, cry, and be amazed.
Episodes
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 623: The Two Kens On the Morning After the Blue Tsunami - What Needs to Happen Next?
In the wake of the 2026 midterm elections, co-hosts Ken Fong and Ken Kemp sit down to process the sweeping political shift across the nation. As election…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 621: Author Michael Seidlinger on Horror, Vampires, and "Brokeula"
With Halloween right around the corner, we're kicking off a special pre-Halloween edition of Asian America: TKFP!Host Ken Fong welcomes Filipino American…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 622: Writer/Director Christine Chang On "Making Space," Asian American Representation, and Personal Connection
What does it truly take to stop waiting to be chosen and start choosing yourself? In Season 12, Episode 622, host Ken Fong is joined by multidisciplinary…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 620: Sharon Kwon and Annie Lim On Navigating Faith, Identity, and Culture in the Korean American Church
In this episode of Asian America: TKFP, host Ken Fong welcomes Sharon Kwon and Annie Lim, co-hosts of the new podcast 2PKs in a Pod. Growing up as a "PK"…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 619: The Two Kens On Communication, Tragedy & the Midterm Election
When we talk about public rhetoric—whether in church, on a political stage, or behind a microphone—where is the line between authentic connection and mere…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 618: Kenny Riches On Directing, Acting, And Isolation In "Mouse"
This week on Asian America: TKFP, Ken sits down with hapa Japanese American writer, director, and actor Kenny Riches to talk about his award-winning feature…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 617: Arasha On Reclaiming the Spotlight in "Wives" at East West Players
In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the incredible Arasha, a multi-talented performer, comedian, and actor who effortlessly bridges the worlds of…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 616: Congresswoman Grace Meng On Faith, Family & Politics
What does it take to stay grounded in politics when you're constantly balancing humility with visibility, Queens with Capitol Hill, and faith with public duty?…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 615: Dr. Scott Kurashige On "American Peril" and the Long History of Anti-Asian Violence
In Episode 615, host Ken Fong sits down with Japanese American activist, scholar, and author Dr. Scott Kurashige to discuss his latest book, American Peril…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 614: Kenneth Tan On Finishing His Lola's Paintings Art, Memory, and Aging
In Season 12, Episode 614 of Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast, host Ken Fong sits down with Filipino American author, illustrator, and artist Kenneth Tan…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 613: Dion Lim On Media, Advocacy, and Asian American Identity
What does it take to shift from conventional TV news reporting to frontline advocacy? In this episode, Emmy Award–winning anchor and author Dion Lim joins Ken…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 612: The Two Kens On Examining 25 Years of Post 9/11 America
In Episode 612 of The Two Kens, Ken and Ken sit down to mark a solemn and significant milestone: 25 years since September 11, 2001. Together, they look back at…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 611: TX House Democratic Minority Leader Gene Wu On Fighting For Our Democracy In a Huge Red State
Texas House Democratic Leader Gene Wu joins me this week on the podcast to lay out what's at stake for democracy, the Constitution, and state governance in…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 610: Steven Wakabayashi On Unmasking the Future - AI, Family, and Finding Yourself
In Season 12, Episode 610, Ken Fong sits down with Steven Wakabayashi, founder of Stranger Creative, for a candid exploration of technology, culture, and…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 609: Author & Reporter Paige Towers On "What They Stole" - Uncovering the Truth Behind Korean Adoptions
In this episode host Ken Fong sits down with investigative reporter Paige Towers. Paige is the author of What They Stole, a compelling work exposing the dark…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 608: Author/Illustrator Regina Linke On Creating Her Latest Children's Book "Little Helper"
In this episode, Taiwanese American artist, author, and illustrator Regina Linke—creator of the beloved webcomic The Oxherd Boy and author of Big Enough—joins…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 607: Writer/Director Anthony Ma On New Short Film "God and Buddha Are Friends"
In this episode, host Ken Fong is joined by independent filmmaker Anthony Ma, writer and director of the award-winning short film God and Buddha Are Friends…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 606: The Two Kens On the Myth of Being Color Blind
This latest installment of the collaborative series between Fong and Kemp zeroes in on the claim made by right wing media types that racism and bigotry are…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 605: Joseph Tseng On What Inspired Him To Write & Record New Concept Album "Shanghai: An American Story"
In this episode, host Ken Fong chats with singer, songwriter, and musician Joseph Tseng about his second album, Shanghai: An American Story. Blending a unique…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 604: Abigail Hing Wen On Writing "The Vale" and Directing "The Vale-Origins"
In this episode, host Ken Fong sits down with New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and Silicon Valley tech leader Abigail Hing Wen. Famous for her hit…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 603: Author Eve Chung On Writing Her Second Novel "The Young Will Remember"
In this episode, we sit down with human rights lawyer and national bestselling author Eve J. Chung to discuss her powerful sophomore novel, The Young Will…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 602: Kyle Casey Chu AKA Panda Dulce On Stories, Sparkles, and Staying True
What happens when you mix unapologetic queer joy, powerful storytelling, and fierce resilience? You get the incomparable Kyle Casey Chu, also known as the…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 601: Kristina Wong & Dr. Theodore "Teddy" Chao On Unleashing "Auntie" Energy Among AANHPI Middle Schoolers
What happens when you mix world-class performance art, comedic genius, academic rigor, and fierce community organizing? You get a beautiful, hilarious…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 600: Dr. Jonar de Guzman On Permanently Reversing Insulin Resistance
In this episode, host Ken Fong sits down with Dr. Jonar de Guzman, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician and founder of 4 Truth…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 599: The Two Kens On White American Culture and the Illusion of Loss
In this latest installment of their collaborative podcast series, Ken Fong and Ken Kemp discuss what's going on with the growing rise of anxiety among white…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 598: Gloria Kim on the Rash of Home Burglaries Targeting Older Working AANHPIs
In this episode, host Ken Fong sits down with Gloria Kim to discuss a deeply unsettling and pressing issue facing the Asian American community: the targeted…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 597: Media Mogul & Trailblazer Yue-Sai Kan On How She Changed the Media (and Beauty Standards) of 400 Million People
This week on Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast, host Ken Fong welcomes legendary media mogul, entrepreneur, and humanitarian Yue-Sai Kan. Dubbed by People…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 596: Sneha Villalva On Cutting To The Essence Of Who Truly You Are
In this episode of Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast, host Ken Fong sits down with multi-talented storyteller, speaker, and former journalist Sneha Villalva…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 595: Writer/Director Jing Ai Ng On What It's Taken To Bring "Forge"--Her First Feature Film--To Theaters
In this episode, we sit down with writer and director Jing Ai Ng to discuss her feature directorial debut, Forge. Fresh off its world premiere at SXSW, this…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 594: Alex Xander Luu On Performing His Autobiographical Solo Performance "Three Lives"
On May 22-24, solo artist Alex Xander Luu will be performing his critically-acclaimed autobiographical solo performance Three Lives @SierraMadrePlayhouse in…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 593: Actors Trieu Tran and Iris Liu On Bringing the Story of Chinese Rocket Scientist Qian Xuesen to the Stage
A new play based on the true story of Qian Xuesen, the brilliant aerospace engineer from China who helped launch America's space age—until Cold War paranoia…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 592: Johnny Itliong On the Leadership & Legacy of His Father Larry Itliong
Americans have had to remove the late Cesar Chavez from the pedestals we've put him on amidst a recent torrent of credible allegations aimed at him of sexual…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 591: Nicole Dowd On the Smithsonian's 4th Annual IlluminAsia Arts & Culture Festival_May 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dowd, the Head of Public Programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to discuss the upcoming 2026…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 590: State Treasurer Fiona Ma On Why She's Running to Be California's Next Lieutenant Governor
Fiona Ma is currently terming out as California's Treasurer, but after more than two decades of public service, she's now running to be the state's Lieutenant…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 589: Rev. Rae Huang On Faith, Housing, and the Future of Los Angeles
In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Rae Huang, a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles who is looking to bridge the gap between grassroots activism and City…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 588: Sacramento DA Thien Ho On How They Finally Captured and Convicted the Golden State Killer
Sacramento County's District Attorney Thien Ho's book, The People vs. the Golden State Killer, is highly recommended for readers interested in true crime…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 587: David Henry Hwang On His Unexpected Journey As a Playwright & His Latest Revision of "Flower Drum Song"
David Henry Hwang is a Tony Award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and the most-produced living opera librettist in America. A three-time Pulitzer Prize…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 585: Lily Tung Crystal On Directing the 2026 Revival Of "Flower Drum Song" @EastWestPlayers
We're going behind the curtain at East West Players for a two-episode event! Today, in Part 1, we're sitting down with Lily Tung Crystal. Not only is she the…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 586: The Two Kens On Whether America's Commander-in-Chief Has Dementia
In this latest in the collaborative The Two Kens podcast series, Fong and Kemp focus on the now month-old war with Iran, wondering whether President Trump has…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 584: Carol Lin On Her Journey From the Anchor Desk to a Life Defined By Family, Healing, and a Redefined Sense of Purpose
In Carol Lin's memoir, When News Breaks: A Memoir of Love and War, the jade bracelet on the cover is a powerful symbol of her cultural identity, her…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 583: Jane Marie Chen On Her Journey of Resilience & Her Path Toward Deep Cleansing & Healing
World-renowned social entrepreneur Jane Marie Chen is also an author, speaker, and leadership coach. Her best-selling memoir Like a Wave We Break is a frank…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 582: Ted Kim On Writing & Directing His Short Film "I Missed You"
Ted Taekeun Kim is a Korean American filmmaker and a director/producer. He is currently a graduate student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in the Peter…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 581: Julie Thomas Achettu On Creating a Clothing Line That Affirms the Dual Identity of South Asian American Women
Julie Thomas Achettu, already a well-respected Asian American literature educator in Chicago, recently co-founded "House of Jaya," a women's apparel line that…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 580: Lori 'Sas' Sase On Bringing Camaraderie & Light to Our Darkest, Most Self-Doubting Places
My guest today describes herself as a 'city girl at heart' who traded her corporate business suits for Steve Madden platforms and a life of authentic passion…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 579: Dr. Stan Lai On Why Creativity Is a Trainable Process
Dr. Stan Lai is the author of the influential book CreativitRy: Asia's Iconic Playwright Reveals the Art of Creativity(originally published in Chinese in 2006…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 578: Jonathan Miron & Philip Sheegog On "Brightside" Winning the 2026 Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
He's a violinist, he's a cellist, and together, they are ARKAI—the Grammy-winning duo pushing the absolute limits of their instruments. Fusing classical roots…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 577: The Two Kens On the Ice Queen & Killer ICE
Podcasters Fong and Kemp are back to tackle the Melania film, the Super Bowl halftime show alternative, the Epstein files, and the evil of ICE in Minneapolis…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 576: Reanne Acasio On Starring in All-Pinoy Cast of "Here Lies Love"
This week, the spotlight shines on rising Filipina American actor Reanne Acasio, who is about to take on one of the most complex and iconic roles in…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 575: The Honorable Elizabeth Yang On Her Noteworthy Journey to Becoming the Mayor of Monterey Park
The Honorable Elizabeth Yang was sworn in as the new mayor of Monterey Park, CA, in early 2025, but when you hear her share about the enormous challenges she's…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 574: Dr. Satsuki Ina On Her Book "The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment and Protest"
Until Dr. Satsuki Ina began to investigate and research the long-term, multi-generational impact of the trauma to Americans of Japanese ancestry as a result of…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 573: Kimberly Tso On Authoring "Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken" and the Importance of Adding to the Variety of AANHPI Stories
Kimberly Tso is a debut picture‑book author whose work draws on real cultural history and themes of empathy. Her writing often highlights community stories and…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 572: Ann Kono & Renee Yang On Redefining What Being Asian American Means in America for Future Generations
Renee Yang and Ann Kono are two of the co-founders of @TeachAAPI.org, whose mission is to redefine what being Asian American means in America by collecting and…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 571: The Two Kens On Looking Back and Looking Forward
In this edition of the collaborative The Two Kens series, Fong and Kemp reflect on some of what they focused on in 2025, whille looking for signs of hope in…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 570: Author/Activist Dr. Winnie M. Li On New Novel "What We Left Unsaid"
Award-winning author and activist Dr. Winnie M. Li has recently published her third novel! What We Left Unsaid has us join three estranged Chinese American…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 569: Kyle Ang On Creating "Tiger Tea Zine": A Space for Truths Often Carried Alone
What Kyle Ang began as a USC senior project has become a much-needed outlet for AANHPI's to express themselves artistically and in writing. Kyle's Tiger Tea…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 568: Kam Redlawsk On Learning to Make Peace with Her "Monster"
In writing and illustrating her 2025 debut picture book, Kam Redlawsk enables readers of any age to relate to her journey to come to grips with a form of…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 567: The Two Kens On "Rental Family" & "Wicked for Good" and Che Ahn Entering the Race for CA Governor
Podcasters Ken Fong and Ken Kemp managed to squeeze out one more of their collaborative series before celebrating Thanksgiving this year overwhelms their…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 566: Neil Nayyar On Being a Global Musician AND Hikari On Co-writing & Directing "Rental Family"
This week I'm bringing you two exceptional guests. With the much-anticipated nationwide release of feature film Rental Family on November 21, my first…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 565: John Wang On Breaking Barriers & Harnessing Your "Big Asian Energy"
John Wang is a motivational speaker, leadership coach, podcaster, and the founder of Big Asian Energy. Having just published a much-needed book of the same…
ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCASTEP 564: Henry King Fong On His Historical Quest To Get to Know His Father
When Henry King Fong was born in Sacramento, his immigrant father was already 58 and his straight-from-the-village mother was 48. Henry was the youngest of…