In this episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong sits down with the remarkable BAND!T, a Grammy-nominated engineer and two-time Billboard charting producer. BAND!T, born in Queens, New York, and now residing in Los Angeles, shares his journey as a first-generation Korean American making a significant mark in the music industry. From dealing with panic disorder as a child to working with some of the biggest names in music, BAND!T’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of pursuing one's dreams.

1. Early Struggles with Panic Disorder: BAND!T opens up about his childhood experiences with panic disorder, night terrors, and how these shaped his understanding of mental health.
2. Breaking Cultural Norms: Insights into BAND!T’s decision to pursue a non-traditional career path in the music industry, defying typical expectations within his academically rigorous family.
3. Path to Music Production: The turning point in college when BAND!T discovered his passion for music production, leading him to a certification program and eventually a career in the industry.
4. Working with Icons: BAND!T’s experiences working with legendary artists like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, and the journey to his Grammy nomination for Beyoncé’s self-titled album.
5. Overcoming Industry Challenges: The reality of unpaid internships, the importance of humility and hard work, and how BAND!T navigated the competitive music industry to achieve success.
6. Mental Health and Career Balance: How BAND!T managed his mental health while pursuing his passion, the role of therapy, and advice for parents on supporting their children’s career choices.

• Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong
• Guest: BAND!T
• Podcast: Color of Success Podcast
• BAND!T's Social Media: Instagram - @superproducerbandit
• Memoir: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color by Dr. Stephanie J. Wong, available on Amazon

BAND!T is a 2x Billboard Charting Producer and Grammy Nominated Engineer known for his exceptional work with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Born in Queens, NY, and currently residing in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife and son, he is a first-generation Korean-American who has left a significant mark on the music scene. BAND!T was nominated as an engineer/mixer at the 2014 Grammys in the category of Album of the Year for Beyoncé's self-titled album, "Beyoncé." In 2022, he reached #2 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart with Tory Lanez. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, Tory Lanez, Rick Ross, and many others.

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Join Dr. Stephanie J. Wong on the "Color of Success Podcast" as she hosts Charlton Lee, the founding violist of the Del Sol Quartet. With over three decades of reshaping the contemporary string quartet landscape, Charlton has premiered works by notable composers at prestigious venues worldwide. In this episode, he dives into the transformative Angel Island project and the powerful union of music and language in expressing cultural history and healing. This episode explores not just Charlton’s artistic journey but also the broader narrative of Asian-American resilience and identity.

Guest Bio: Charlton Lee, founding violist of the Del Sol Quartet, has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of the contemporary string quartet for over thirty years. His work includes premiering hundreds of new compositions across global stages and leading significant commissions from composers like Terry Riley and Huang Ruo. Beyond performance, Charlton's dedication extends to education, influencing aspiring musicians through diverse initiatives from school programs to rural residencies. With degrees in Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Music, his unique insights have enriched both the scientific and musical communities, highlighted by his publications in Physics Review Letters and Strings Magazine, and a TEDx talk on just intonation.

Show Notes:

• Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong
• Topics Covered:
  • The origins and impacts of the Angel Island project.
  • The synergy between music, language, and cultural expressions.
  • Historical and modern contexts of Asian-American discrimination.
  • The role of art in healing and community engagement.
  • The upcoming "Songs of the Diaspora" project, showcasing diverse immigrant stories through music and poetry.
• Resources:
  • Charlton's TEDx talk on just intonation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmV-mIxmpvQ
  • Del Sol Quartet's website for music samples and project updates: https://www.delsolquartet.com/
  • Listen to the Sounds Current Podcast for more insights into the Angel Island project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sounds-current/id1744176966
• Book Mentioned: "Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color" by Dr. Stephanie J. Wong, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960299239?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3VH87AO6WEDGWPNR6N7R

In this episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong welcomes Libby Liu, the CEO of Whistleblower Aid, a renowned human rights activist, and former president of Radio Free Asia. Libby shares her incredible journey from working behind the scenes to leading significant organizations, emphasizing her commitment to human dignity and transparency. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the challenges and triumphs of being a public interest whistleblower and the vital role of truthful information in maintaining human rights.

Key Highlights:
Libby's Transition to Leadership: Libby discusses her unexpected rise to the CEO position at Whistleblower Aid and her previous role as the longest-serving president of Radio Free Asia.

Human Dignity and Access to Information: The importance of providing uncensored news and information to communities with state-run media and how this aligns with human dignity.

Challenges of Being a Whistleblower: The personal and professional difficulties faced by whistleblowers, including isolation, gaslighting, and mental health impacts.

Institutional Trauma and Support Systems: The role of Whistleblower Aid in supporting whistleblowers with therapy, health care, and other essential resources to help them navigate their journey.

The Power of Truth in Authoritarian Regimes: How truth resonates and influences societies bred on propaganda, with examples from Radio Free Asia’s impact.

Future of Democracy and Whistleblowing: The significance of protecting democracy, especially with upcoming elections, and the continuous threat posed by misinformation and weaponized executive branches.

Additional Information:
Memoir: Check out Dr. Stephanie J. Wong's memoir, Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color, available: https://a.co/d/0b8s1xrq

Subscribe and Follow: Subscribe to the Color of Success Podcast on your favorite platforms and follow us on all our socials at Color of Success Podcast.

Resources Mentioned:
Whistleblower Aid - Learn more about the organization and how to get connected: https://whistlebloweraid.org/
Radio Free Asia - Understand the mission and impact of this international broadcasting company: https://www.rfa.org/english/

Website: https://www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com/
Subscribe on Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Follow on Social Media: @color_of_success on Instagram

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this episode are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Whistleblower Aid or Radio Free Asia.