Why are people—as in everyone from Amy Schumer to TV writers to Hollywood producers— so obsessed with the dating combination of Asian women with white men? This trope has roots in the fetishization of Asian women from the Vietnam War and imperialist eras, when Western soldiers viewed local women as sexualized objects. Today, this pairing remains a punchline in pop culture, often at the expense of Asian women. It's a harmful depiction that perpetuates the sexualized perception of Asian American women and downplays their humanity.

In this episode, co-hosts Calista Wu, Kasey Ma, Michelle K. Hanabusa, and Yoonj Kim punch back at the punchlines and reveal their experiences as Asian American women who’ve faced discrimination and outright racism for the men they’ve dated, and share thoughtful takeaways.

The way we talk about relationships matters in how we deal with romantic problems. Today, mental health lingo is a big part of our love lives, especially toxicity, or elements of a relationship that make you feel unsupported, attacked, or even threaten your well-being. While their parents' generation may not have grown up with these concepts, co-hosts Calista Wu, Kasey Ma, Michelle K. Hanabusa, and Yoonj Kim discuss their experiences and learnings from toxic relationships and how they've come full circle between their parents' teachings and today's understanding of love and self love.

In corporate America, there's the glass ceiling—then there's the bamboo ceiling. Both terms refer to the unofficially acknowledged barrier to professional advancement for women and Asian Americans, respectively, due to patriarchy, racism, and other systemic norms favoring the establishment. At the intersection of both barriers are Asian American women, who are among the least likely demographic to be promoted in America.

The four hosts of the podcast are no strangers to these barriers and have also achieved success in their various industries. As a member of influential boards, Calista rarely sees a colleague who looks like her. Kasey made the leap from corporate life to making a living as a fashion influencer and reality TV star. Michelle founded and owns a brand in the male-dominated streetwear industry, carried in Pacsun. And Yoonj is among the Millennial cohort of MTV VJs and the only Asian American. They discuss their encounters with the double ceilings and how they overcame them, leaving words of advice for listeners on similar journeys.

Everyone's had their version of a meltdown, breakdown, or the ultimate breaking point when the pressure from your family's expectations becomes too much. Co-hosts Calista Wu, Kasey Ma, Michelle K. Hanabusa, and Yoonj Kim, all former overachievers and today successful women in their own right, dive into their earlier rebellions, including the time Yoonj ran away to Australia during high school in response to parental pressure. Today, the women share insights about how these once painful experiences became important lessons for their families and themselves.

Do you remember the first time your parents said, "I love you"? Co-hosts Calista Wu, Kasey Ma, Michelle K. Hanabusa, and Yoonj Kim reflect on these words of affirmation from their Asian and Asian American parents, and how they've learned to accept different forms of love today from their childhood experiences. 

Welcome to Club Full Circle! Join co-hosts Calista Wu, Kasey Ma, Michelle K. Hanabusa, and Yoonj Kim as they embark on a journey of vulnerability and mutual healing, sharing stories and advice about their Asian and Asian-American families in this healing circle. From learning to say "I love you" to their parents to overcoming childhood traumas, their unique experiences offer universal insights and lessons. 

In connecting the dots between their ancestors' experiences and their own lives, they come full circle.

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About the Hosts:

Calista Wu is an attorney, recording artist, and web3 builder.

Kasey Ma is a Twitch streamer, content creator, and reality TV star.

Michelle K. Hanabusa is a designer, entrepreneur, and community leader behind Hate Is A Virus and UPRISERS.

Yoonj Kim is a journalist and former MTV VJ.