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.

Subscribe to the Color of Success Podcast and join our community on all our socials at colorofsuccesspodcast.com.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong sits down with Judy Tsuei, the dynamic founder of Wildhearted Words, a branding and marketing agency dedicated to positive impact brands. Judy shares her incredible journey from growing up with tiger parents in LA to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. They discuss her struggles with an eating disorder, the healing power of storytelling, and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life.

Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong

Guest: Judy Tsuei, Founder of Wildhearted Words and Host of the 'F*** Saving Face' Podcast

Key Topics:

• Judy's background and upbringing with immigrant parents.
• Her journey through various careers and living in multiple countries.
• The pivotal moment in China that led her to seek treatment for her eating disorder.
• How yoga and therapeutic work transformed her life.
• The creation of Wildhearted Words and its mission to drive real conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Judy's experience as a Tory Burch Foundation fellow and the importance of recognizing one's value beyond business success.
• The concept of "F*** Saving Face" and empowering mental and emotional health by breaking through taboo topics.
• The significance of asking for help and building a supportive community.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Feelings are not linear, and there's no reason to understand. We just have to go through them."
• "The heart is the master, and the head is the servant. Authenticity is key to building meaningful connections."

Resources Mentioned:

• Judy Tsuei's book: The Little Book of Tibetan Rites and Rituals
• Judy's podcast: Fuck Saving Face
• Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

Connect with Judy Tsuei:

• Website: Wildhearted Words: https://www.wildheartedwords.com/
• LinkedIn: Judy Tsuei : https://www.linkedin.com/in/judytsuei/
• Instagram: @judytsuei

Connect with Dr. Stephanie J. Wong:

• Website: Color of Success Podcast: https://www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com/
• Memoir: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color (available on Amazon and wherever books are sold)

Join the Community:

• Follow us on all social platforms @colorofsuccesspodcast

Thank you for listening! Subscribe to the podcast and stay tuned for more empowering stories. Share your "cancel the filter" moments with us!

Welcome to the Color of Success Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong sits down with Nikki Carrido, the dynamic VP of Marketing Strategy and Sponsorships at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Nikki shares her remarkable journey from banking to leading marketing efforts in a vibrant cultural institution. As a proud member of the AAPI community, Nikki emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in her professional and personal life.

Join us as Nikki discusses her unique career path, the significance of representation in leadership, and her dedication to creating inclusive environments. Learn about the exciting initiatives at MoPOP, including innovative partnerships and upcoming exhibits that highlight diverse voices and stories in pop culture.

Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong

Guest: Nikki Carrido, VP of Marketing Strategy and Sponsorships at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

• Career Journey: Nikki's unconventional path from banking to becoming a VP at MoPOP.
• DEIB Initiatives: How Nikki integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into MoPOP's strategy.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Nikki's insights on maintaining mental health and prioritizing family.
• Pop Culture and Mental Health: The intersection of pop culture and mental health, and how MoPOP addresses these themes.
• Upcoming Exhibits: Exciting new exhibits at MoPOP, including Keith Haring and Asia-focused showcases.

• “I knew that I could use my platform to help other women, especially Asian women, excel in their careers.”
• “Inclusion isn’t just a checkbox; it’s about creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves.”
• “Pop culture is everything from fashion to music to what we eat and drink. It’s intertwined with our everyday lives.”

• Website: https://www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com/
• Subscribe on Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
• Follow on Social Media: @color_of_success on Instagram
• Memoir: Check out Dr. Stephanie J. Wong's memoir, "Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color," available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

We'd love for you to subscribe to the podcast and join our community. Share your own "cancel the filter" moments with us and continue the conversation on our social media channels.

In this illuminating episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong welcomes Jeremiah Abraham, a trailblazer in the fields of marketing and public relations within the entertainment industry. With over two decades of experience, Jeremiah, the founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications, discusses his journey from launching an online destination for Filipino American lifestyle to shaping the representation of the AAPI community in Hollywood. Tune in as Jeremiah shares the challenges and triumphs of promoting diversity in blockbuster films and Broadway, his personal motivations, and the ongoing efforts to enhance AAPI visibility across various media platforms.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Jeremiah Abraham and his memoir, Cancel the Filter.
• Jeremiah recounts the genesis of Tremendous Communications and its mission to amplify AAPI voices in entertainment.
• The significance of cultural representation in mainstream media and Jeremiah's early inspirations.
• Challenges faced by ethnic minority creatives in the industry and the unique hurdles of AAPI representation.
• Jeremiah shares pivotal moments from his career, including working with big names in the industry and impactful projects like Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca.
• Discussion on the importance of community support and the economic aspects of filmmaking within underrepresented groups.
• The role of personal experiences in Jeremiah’s professional decisions and the broader implications for cultural shifts in Hollywood.
• Jeremiah's advice to upcoming professionals on breaking into the entertainment industry and the value of knowing what you don't want.
• Upcoming projects and closing thoughts on the evolving landscape of representation.
• Dr. Wong reflects on the broader impacts of media diversity and invites listeners to share their own experiences.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com/
• Subscribe on Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
• Follow on Social Media: Join our community for more inspiring stories and insights.

Additional Resources:

• Cancel the Filter, Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color by Dr. Stephanie J. Wong - available on Amazon.
• Learn more about Jeremiah Abraham’s work and his contributions to the AAPI community through Tremendous Communications.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of media representation and the ongoing efforts to ensure diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. Whether you’re an industry professional or a casual listener, Jeremiah’s insights provide a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes efforts that shape our media landscape.

In this poignant episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong welcomes William Gee Wong, a celebrated journalist and author, to delve into his recent book and the personal histories it uncovers. William shares the emotional journey of revisiting his ancestral village, revealing deep connections to his Chinese American identity. This discussion explores the complexities of family legacy, cultural heritage, and the unique experiences that shape one's sense of self in the American tapestry. Tune in to uncover the layers of history and personal discovery that define success for one of the Asian American community's most venerable voices.

Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong

Guest: William Gee Wong, Journalist, Author, and Historian

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction and Memoir Insights:

   • Dr. Wong introduces William Gee Wong and shares insights from her memoir, highlighting the intersection of professional and personal life in the mental health and minority communities.

2. William's Academic and Professional Background:

   • Overview of William’s educational journey and his extensive career in journalism, touching upon his impactful work across various renowned publications.

3. Emotional Return to the Ancestral Home:

   • William recounts his visit to his father's village in China, discussing the mixed emotions and profound connections unearthed during the trip.

4. Family Dynamics and Cultural Reflections:

   • Discussion on the roles and expectations within traditional Chinese families, focusing on William's experiences as the much-anticipated son amidst a family of sisters.

5. The Significance of Chinatown and Asian American Identity:

   • William elaborates on the historical and cultural significance of Chinatowns in shaping Asian American communities and identities.

6. Impact of Gambling in Chinatown:

   • A deep dive into the role of gambling and lotteries in the economic and social fabric of Chinatown, reflecting on past legalities and community impacts.

7. Discussion on Modern Asian American Issues:

   • Addressing contemporary issues, including racism and representation, and sharing advice for younger generations navigating identity and societal challenges.

8. Audience Q&A:

   • The episode concludes with an interactive Q&A session, providing listeners an opportunity to engage directly with William and Dr. Wong.

Outro:

• Dr. Wong wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to connect with the podcast community online and check out her memoir for more personal stories and insights.

Listen and Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms. Join us for more episodes on the successes and diverse experiences of AAPI and ethnic minority communities.

In this compelling episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong welcomes Eileen Li-Ying Lundquist for her debut appearance, where she shares her inspiring journey from the restrictive shadows of Chairman Mao's China to the liberating avenues of New York. Eileen opens up about overcoming profound challenges including abandonment, injustice, and personal trauma to achieve love, happiness, and impactful self-discovery.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction

   • Dr. Stephanie J. Wong introduces the podcast and her memoir, Cancel the Filter, Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color.

2. Eileen's Early Life and Challenges

   • Eileen discusses her move from China to the United States, the cultural and personal obstacles she faced, and her initial struggles with freedom and choice in a new country.

3. Mental Health Journey

   • Insight into Eileen's mental health challenges growing up under an oppressive regime and her struggles with acceptance and self-love in the U.S.

4. Importance of Forgiveness

   • Eileen reflects on the pivotal role of forgiveness in overcoming her past traumas and how it facilitated her current happiness and stable marriage.

5. Career Achievements

   • Discussion on Eileen's significant contributions to technology, including her work on SMS technology and her experiences as a female minority in the tech industry.

6. Marriage and Relationships

   • Eileen shares insights into her marriage, discussing the importance of starting a relationship for the right reasons and the role of therapy in maintaining a healthy partnership.

7. Writing and Vulnerability

   • Eileen talks about the power of writing authentically, how it connects with readers across different backgrounds, and her motivations behind writing her book, Wings of Silk.

8. Future Projects and Aspirations

   • Eileen unveils her plans to write a children's book focused on the contributions of Chinese laborers to American history.

9. Q&A Session

   • The episode concludes with a Q&A session where Eileen addresses additional questions about courage, fear, and the impact of sharing personal stories.

Closing: Dr. Wong wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with the podcast through various social media platforms. She highlights the importance of community support in destigmatizing mental health issues and sharing diverse success stories.

Available: Listen to this enlightening episode on all major streaming platforms and join the Color of Success Podcast community online to delve deeper into the narratives of resilience and personal growth.