When Ting returned to the U.S. after nearly two decades, she expected to reconnect with old friends. What she didn’t expect was a full-blown identity check. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Ting and Dr.Catherine explore how migration and culture shape political views, values, and the very definition of “us” vs “them.”

From Filipino Trump supporters in Texas to unexpected conversations about racism, collectivism, and Little Mermaid casting choices—this episode takes you into the messy, revealing, and transformative world of cultural adaptation and cross-cultural empathy.

Tune in to discover how living abroad doesn’t just change your accent—it rewires how you see the world.

[00:00] Intro – What’s new in Season 3

[01:00] Cultural adaptation: how migration changes who we are

[02:00] Ting’s return to the U.S. after 20 years – first impressions post-COVID

[03:00] Conversations that challenge assumptions: meeting Filipino Americans

[04:00] Identity surprise: “Maybe I’m more conservative than I thought”

[05:30] The immigration debate – empathy, hypocrisy, and nuance

[07:30] Cultural intelligence in action: active listening vs. judgment

[09:00] How much do migrants retain their original cultural identity?

[10:00] Casting controversy: Little Mermaid and racial representation

[12:00] Does ethnicity matter in portraying historical figures?

[14:00] CQ strategy: “checking” when experience challenges our stereotypes

[15:30] Observing family values among Filipino immigrants

[17:00] Clan associations and collective survival strategies

[18:30] Crab mentality: When collectivism breaks down

[21:00] Defining the “in-group”: why not all collectivists behave the same

[23:00] 3 Key Takeaways: challenging stereotypes, exposing yourself todifference, and redefining community

[25:00] Reflection: still friends, even with different views

[26:00] Outro – keep the conversation going