In this engaging conversation, Wendy Tokuda shares her inspiring journey from a young girl captivated by a pioneering Asian American news anchor to becoming an award-winning journalist herself. She reflects on the evolution of media, the challenges posed by technology, and her commitment to societal good through children's literature and environmental activism. Wendy also discusses her upcoming book on Japanese internment camps, highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving history and empowering future generations.

takeaways

• Wendy's passion for journalism was ignited by seeing a Japanese American woman on TV.
• The evolution of media has led to challenges in agreeing on the truth.
• Reading newspapers remains a priority for Wendy, despite the rise of digital media.
• Her children's books were inspired by real-life events, particularly a whale's journey.
• Wendy's mother's journals from the internment camps provide a personal historical perspective.
• Environmental activism is a way for Wendy to connect with nature and give back.
• Students Rising Above empowers low-income youth to pursue higher education.
• Wendy learned valuable life lessons from the resilience of the youth she profiles.
• She reflects on her regrets regarding her educational choices and their impact.
• Wendy's admiration for Aretha Franklin highlights her appreciation for powerful voices in music.

Show links:

• Children's book, Humphrey the Lost Whale -- https://www.amazon.com/Humphrey-Lost-Whale-True-Story/dp/0893462705
• Students Rising Above -- https://studentsrisingabove.org/
• More about Wendy -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Tokuda

Special thanks to Sydney Williams for cover art and show intro/outros. James Cain for music. XDS [https://madebyxds.com/] for website design and Ben Strout as assistant executive producer and sound engineer.

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