In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong talks with filmmaker and sports producer Jon Hill to explore how identity, loss, and creativity have shaped his life and work. Jon opens up about his mixed-race heritage—growing up with a Thai mother and an American father whose love story began in Thailand during the Vietnam War—and how that unique background inspired his film Above the Clouds, now available on streaming platforms.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jon reflects on losing his father at 25 and the long, unexpected journey of grief that followed. He shares how a chance encounter and a miraculous experience during his father's final moments sparked a short film that eventually became a feature-length comedy, created over 13 years. Through humor and honesty, Jon offers thoughtful insights into coping with loss, acknowledging emotions, and understanding that healing is never linear.

We also dive into Jon's professional world—from covering major events like the Super Bowl and World Cup at Fox Sports to navigating independent filmmaking and advocating for Asian representation in media. The episode wraps with stories of resilience, work-life balance, a surreal Michael Jordan birthday party moment!

This episode blends laughter, reflection, and inspiration, offering listeners a powerful reminder of how personal stories can become meaningful art—and how connection can emerge from even the most difficult experiences.

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Jon Hill's Full Bio:

Jon Hill is the writer and director of the film Above the Clouds, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He is also a 2x Emmy Award winning sports producer that travels the world covering the largest sporting event such as the World Cup and the Super Bowl. His film talks about the struggles of losing a parent, and dealing with loss through comedy. It's based on the true events after his father passed when he was 25.

Instagram: @jhill_aka_da_streaming_king

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To purchase Dr. Wong's book: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Mother of Color

Join Dr. Stephanie J. Wong and Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), as they dive deep into the pressing issues facing Asian + American communities today, with a special focus on mental health, youth leadership, and breaking stereotypes. This episode explores the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health, while offering actionable insights on overcoming societal challenges.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Addressing Asian+ Americans' Mental Health
• TAAF's new program: Thriving Asian Leadership Accelerator, equipping Asian+ American youth with the skills needed to thrive beyond academic achievement
• Combatting Stereotypes and Building Belonging
• Asian+ American Philanthropy and Representation
• Collaborations to Expand Mental Health Resources & Support, including the the Asian + American PSA and campaign, sparking a national conversation about belonging, visibility, and community safety, and TAAF's Beyond the Surface study, which found that nearly 1 in 2 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth screen positive for moderate depression, and that stigma and silence prevent many from seeking help. This reflects broader cultural dynamics (around identity, family pressure, and belonging) that can affect Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) of all ages.

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Full bio:

Norman Chen is the Chief Executive Officer of TAAF and brings a thirty-year career in entrepreneurship, healthcare and community leadership in the United States and Asia. Norman is passionate about building organizations in both the nonprofit and private sectors that positively impact society. Prior to his appointment at TAAF, Norman co-founded the nonprofit Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change (LAAUNCH) and helped to create a landmark study, The STAATUS Index, of American attitudes towards Asian Americans.

As a healthcare entrepreneur, Norman was the founder and CEO of Asia Renal Care, a network of specialty medical centers in six countries, and co-founder of DeltaHealth Hospital, a world-class hospital in partnership with Columbia Heartsource. As a venture capitalist, Norman led successful life sciences investments at Fidelity Asia Ventures (now Eight Roads) and 6 Dimensions Capital. Norman grew up on the East Coast and currently lives in the Bay Area. He has been a board or advisory council member at The Nature Conservancy (CA), Children's Medical Foundation (HK), SF Marine Science Institute, and Positive Coaching Alliance. He holds a B.S. degree from MIT and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

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To purchase Dr. Wong's book: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Mother of Color

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong sits down with the trailblazing Yue-Sai Kan, a pioneer in cultural exchange through television, cosmetics, and business. Yue-Sai takes us through her groundbreaking work, producing the TV show Looking East in the late 70s and early 80s, which aimed to foster cultural understanding between the East and West. She opens up about the challenges she faced in both media and business, including navigating China’s limited media landscape, and the hurdles of producing television content across two cultures.

Yue-Sai also shares her personal journey of learning Mandarin and the complexities of dealing with racism and media representation in the U.S. She reflects on her experience empowering women in China through her cosmetics business, where she introduced makeup to a market that had little exposure to it, and discusses her mission to help women enhance their confidence and individuality.

Beyond her fame, Yue-Sai explains how she has used her platform for positive change, from promoting cultural understanding to spearheading One World Foundation, which focuses on global cross-cultural initiatives.

Yue-Sai’s upcoming book, The Most Famous Woman in China launches on October 21st on Amazon.
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Full bio:

Before Barbie diversified and before TikTok collapsed borders, Yue-Sai was already rewriting what was possible for women in China and beyond. An Emmy Award–winning TV host, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she built a multi-billion-dollar empire while modernizing the image of Chinese women and bridging East–West culture through media and beauty.

Her memoir, The Most Famous Woman in China (out October 21), offers an unfiltered look at the highs and obstacles of being a cultural disruptor and the challenges she faced as a woman of color carving space in multiple industries. It includes never-before-seen archives, photos, and QR-linked video interviews. All proceeds benefit the Yue-Sai Kan One World Foundation, which supports global citizenship and education.

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To purchase Dr. Wong's book: https://www.amazon.com/Cancel-Filter-Realities-Psychologist-Podcaster/dp/1960299239/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ESHqItd-7JIevntWhPXNHw.D6QfeRDu2mzbsQQ9vUM-uSzxKxxYNNsNxjw2DOzSrfI&qid=1705532812&sr=8-1

Healing from Narcissistic Trauma as an Immigrant
In this heartfelt episode, Agatha Peters shares her journey of overcoming narcissistic abuse within a collectivist, immigrant family. She unpacks the emotional toll of growing up with a narcissistic parent, how culture shapes our understanding of parenting, and her path to healing. With insights on setting boundaries, journaling, and supporting others, this conversation offers hope and clarity for anyone navigating toxic family dynamics.

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Full bio

Agatha Peters is a Nigerian-American psychotherapist, founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy, and the author of 📚 Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations. She is dedicated to helping adult children of narcissistic parents, especially those from collectivist cultures, where family loyalty often overshadows individual well-being. Having experienced the healing power of therapy herself, she is passionate about helping others discover the same transformation and offers guidance on embracing one's identity while respecting cultural ties.

To connect with Agatha:

Website: https://beautifulsunshinetherapy.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agatha-peters-6209659a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AW9BHBNM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulsunshinetherapy?igsh=amR0dGhkbXVtbWQ1&utm_source=qr

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Today, I'm joined by Matthew Veland, President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Metro DC and Dyanna Volek, proud Filipina American and native San Franciscan who during the day, works in government affairs and is a champion of the Filipino community. We discuss:

• Biggest challenges that Filipino business owners face
• Need to address mental health and business owners' relationship to money
• Entrepreneurial and mental health resources for business owners
• Ways we can support Filipino-owned businesses on both coasts

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Matthew Veland is a highly respected financial planner with Prudential Financial in the Washington D.C. area, distinguished by his deep commitment to empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) business owners and medical professionals. Beyond his professional expertise in financial planning, Matt is a leading advocate for the local Asian American business community, with a particular focus on the significant economic contributions of these enterprises.

As the current President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Metro DC, Matthew spearheads an organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering over 200 entrepreneurs and business owners across the DMV region. Under his leadership, the Chamber actively promotes economic development, fosters networking opportunities, and amplifies the voices of Filipino American businesses.

Further demonstrating his dedication to community development, Matthew is also a co-founder and Treasurer of FilExcellence, a non-profit committed to fostering personal empowerment and professional development within the Filipino diaspora.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgveland/

IG: mgveland

Dyanna Volek is a proud Filipina American and native San Franciscan who blends civic service with cultural passion. By day, she navigates government affairs with over a decade of experience in public affairs—but her heart beats for community, culture, and connection. Outside the office, Dyanna is a champion of holistic wellness and vibrant living, spotlighting the local businesses that are the lifeblood of cities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyannavolek/

IG: dyannaluna

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Today, we welcome Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson to the show. Following an accident and a skull fracture, she advanced her education. She is the founder and executive director of
the Girls education initiative of Ghana (GEIG), providing
academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so they may access higher education, and professional opportunities. We discuss:

• De-stigmatizing special needs and empowering individuals with disabilities to lead meaningful and productive lives
• The importance of family in recovering from an accident
• The value of girls having role models
• Her new memoir, My Life After Death (https://www.amazon.com/MY-LIFE-AFTER-DEATH-Overcoming/dp/1960299751/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V3710TWGSJ4Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.unRwEE8yzjTli3PzRVeRVtSAoBgX5tQw9E2LPZNHr0-sU3cQ6kd9cYNEzsQ7rwcmLvPM7873axRXL_q_qdl0TQ.kumUS4f1ols75P3toNRgH88z5RWgapMJpRbgZCJQIu4&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+life+after+death+patterson&qid=1754443953&s=books&sprefix=my+life+after+death+patte%2Cstripbooks%2C337&sr=1-1)

To learn more and support GEIG: https://www.girlsedgh.org/

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Jackie Dallas followed her passion, which led to her break-out role in Season 1 of "Stranger Things," as 'Jen,' Mr. Clarke's girlfriend, Jen Woo. In the Netflix series, The Hunting Wives, starring Dermot Mulroney, Malin Akerman, and Brittany Snow, she plays Jia-Yi. In this episode, we dive into:

• Career Transition from Medicine to Acting
• Her break-out role in Stranger Things and how it jump started her acting career
• How her surgical experience gives her perspective when facing rejection in Hollywood
• Ongoing advocacy for women's health, specifically education about urological issues
• Her role in Hunting Wives, streaming on Netflix!

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Full bio:

Jackie Dallas plays 'Jia-Yi' in the upcoming Netflix series "The Hunting Wives," (July 21, 2025) starring Dermot Mulroney, Malin Akerman, and Brittany Snow. Based on the book of the same name by May Cobb, the series follows Sophie O'Neil, who relocates to deep East Texas and quickly falls under the spell of glamorous socialite Margo, leading to a world of obsession, seduction, and murder. Jackie plays 'Jia-Yi,' a sharp and strategic political advisor and campaign manager to Mulroney's character.

You may recognize Dallas from her breakout role in Netflix's "Stranger Things" as 'Jen,' Mr. Clarke's girlfriend 'Jen Woo' from season 1. Her film work includes action thrillers alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, and Juliette Binoche.

Outside of acting, Jackie remains connected to her medical background as a philanthropic patient advocate for women's health. She has published 20 clinical research papers focused on surgical outcomes, including disparities in race and age.

Connect with Jackie on Instagram: @jaxdallas

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