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 abuse, rape and pedophilia. This has resulted in a newfound interest in Larry Itliong, a Filipino American labor organizer who's often called the "Father of the West Coast Labor Movement." Until now, he's been unfairly overshadowed by the iconic Chavez, but Larry's son Johnny is relieved that more of the unabridged history of that movement is now finding an audience.

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 IlluminAsia Arts and Culture Festival. Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month and the U.S. 250th anniversary, this year's festival spotlights the power of Asian American storytelling through literature, film, and community connection. #IlluminAsiaFestival #aanhpi #aapi #koreanadoptee

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 Governor. While most of the media's attention has been focused on the still unpredictable gubernatorial race, there are sixteen in the race for California's No. 2 seat of power, and Fiona has the clearest institutional resume, giving her an early advantage in name recognition among voters even as most remain undecided. Over 30 current and former California mayors have endorsed her. Early polling gives her a lead with likely Democratic voters, but eight in 10 voters still have no opinion of her--a reminder that institutional status has not translated into decisive primary support.

This episode is your chance to get to know her better and to appreciate her immense qualifications to be California's next Lieutenant Governor. Find out more about her and her vision for California by going to www.fionama.com.