The CreativeLife Podcast Ep.9: Joz Wang Blogs Harder Than You [Download] [Stream]

Episode 9 – Jocelyn “Joz” Wang

You know you were a true “early adopter” when you were blogging before most people could imitate the grating screech of dial-up internet!  Jocelyn Wang (more commonly known online as Joz Joz Joz) was blogging about her personal life when the internet was not yet littered with people who were comfortable sharing photos of what they ate for dinner last night. There was life before Facebook!

Jocelyn 'Joz' Wang knows writing and living online.

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In this podcast we talk about missing out on a Taiwanese-American rite of passage, “The Love Boat,” and how her an overdramatic post about the big sty in her eye could get ANY traction online.  Also, we discuss what it means to get comfortable with having an online persona including making the decision to write about a very personal loss in the family.  I mean…she even made national news because her likeness was used in some racist camera craziness!  (Yeah. Cameras can be racist too?)

There’s also tons of nuts and bolts discussions about what it means to be a blogger or even attempt to make a living from producing content on a blog platform versus other formats.  We learn all about how Joz was flexing her online journalistic presence through her collaborative Asian American issues blog, 8Asians.com.

Though this interview was recorded last year, let’s all congratulate her for becoming the new Asian American Journalists Association – Los Angeles chapter President, National Advisory Board Representative!

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 9 of The CreativeLife podcast features the talented work of independent artist Giana Nguyen.

Giana Nguyen – Singer/Songwriter

Giana Nguyen - Singer / Songwriter

FROM Giana’s Website:

“Her voice is strong and smoky, with range that could easily win votes on American Idol…That spirit of longing and perseverance can be heard in her self-released debut album, “For Now.”” – David Whiting, Front Page Columnist/Editor at Large, The Orange County Register

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

 Thanks for visiting The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, a podcast & blog about the art, business, & soul of living the Creative Life. If you find this interesting, subscribe to the RSS feed, visit our Facebook Page or add us on Twitter!

The CreativeLife Podcast Ep.8: Steve Nguyen’s IT Guy By Day, Producer and Community Building Superhero By Night [Download] [Stream]

Episode 8 – Steve Nguyen

Steve Nguyen, Producer and Community Building Superhero. Art by Technodrome1 Photo: Tommy Su of SnapItStudio

What’s behind the stunner shades and shiny earring? I turn the mic on Steve Nguyen, and attempt to uncover the man, the myth, the mystery that is Steve Nguyen of Stickblade Productions and channelAPA.com. Who knew he became legend at UC Riverside playing Superman and other characters with his theatrical, masked “flash-pranks” during lecture classes?

Download Episode 8 mp3 (right click on the link and click “Save As”): Steve Nguyen
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He puts all hyphenated artists to shame with his multi-project multi-tasking. I peel back the layers like an onion of truth until we’re both in tears of conversational joy. (yeah. i said that.) We cover some serious ground in intimate conversation with one microphone on my lounge couch in Highland Park. One 7up and an hour and a half later we finally get some details.

And, hold on!  Did you know he once appeared as an Asian student character on “The Man Show” with Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel? Not his proudest moment, but highly educational.

Some things you’re gonna learn: how important building community is for Steve, Steve’s vision for providing the ultimate platform for talented Asian Americans in media and entertainment, what he did behind the scenes in one of the “Fast and Furious” movie productions, and the inspiration behind his latest passion project, the animated short film about a survivor of the atom bomb in Japan called “Hibakusha.”

We give a shout-out to professional photographer Tommy Su of Snapit Studios (http://snapitstudio.com/) because we got some GOOOOD cafe food in Monterey Park together with Steve after the interview.  Mm. Mm!

With socially awkward comes different and innovative. – Steve Nguyen

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 8 of The CreativeLife podcast features the talented work of independent artists Anna Su (“Oh My Stars” and “Howling Tree” from “Howling Tree” 2010) and Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun (“Baby Please”).  Be sure to catch Andrew and support him when he competes at the November 5th, Kollaboration concert in Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre!

Anna Su Music

FROM ANNA SU’S WEBSITE:

Los Angeles-based musician, Anna Su, explores music as community property, drawing influences from the sounds of her travels and experiences. Through haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, mixed with the floor-stomping pulse of her eclectic band, Anna Su’s songs bring players and listeners together to celebrate the simple joys of making music.

Debut album, “Howling Tree” now available on iTunes and Bandcamp

Produced by Nate Vaughan, Mixed by Al Fleming
Mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters, Recorded at Bronson House, Runaway Sound & Hollywood Sound Systems, Drums engineered by Meredith Jung, Artwork by Molly Burgess. All songs by Anna Su except “Over Ourselves” by Anna Su and John Isaac Watters & “City Ain’t That Much Fun by Anna Su and Rachel Vaughan.
Featuring: Al Fleming, Will Gramling, Kris Karlsson, George Krikes, Mike Lindsay, Niccolo Menichini, Alex Rhodes, Gavin Salmon, Brian Song, Dave Torstenson, Nate Vaughan, Rachel Vaughan & Dave Wilson

Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun

FROM ANDREW’S WEBSITE:

Andrew Figueroa Chiang is every bit an entertainer. A sweet-voiced songwriter with a genuine love of performing, Andrew has the unique ability to transform any space into a joyful one. His disarming charm, off-the-cuff comedy, and heartfelt delivery make his shows both moving and fun.

This year, Andrew released his first EP! The self-titled, acoustic record is full of earnest performances, energetic arrangements, and big harmonies.

Andrew is currently playing solo and with his rock and roll band – the Blazing Rays of the Sun. He thinks it would be very nice to meet you.

LINKS:

• Steve as “The Chinese Kid” on “The Man Show”
• The Hibakusha Kickstarter fundraising page
• channelapa.com – Steve’s website featuring Asian American entertainment
• Steve Nguyen FlipHD with memoirist Lac Su
• Steve as Superman in UC Riverside class prank

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

 Thanks for visiting The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, a podcast & blog about the art, business, & soul of living the Creative Life. If you find this interesting, subscribe to the RSS feed, visit our Facebook Page or add us on Twitter!

The CreativeLife Podcast Ep.7: Quan Phung, Television’s “Cultural Translator” [Download] [Stream]

Episode 7 – Quan Phung

Quan Phung, an Executive Producer of the NBC comedy "Whitney," handles the business to showcase the art. Pictured standing in front of Whitney actors' photos. Stuber Production Offices, August 30, 2011.

Former Fox Broadcasting Executive, television producer and Asian American arts community leader Quan Phung grew up translating between his Vietnamese heritage and American culture…

Download Episode 7 mp3 (right click on the link and click “Save As”): Quan Phung
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…and is now bridging creative and business cultures in network television.

Jenny and Quan had a lot to discuss. They were both Coro Fellows in Public Affairs in Los Angeles.  Then Quan decided that producing was his passion rather than the business of politics and policy.  He is now Head of Television for Stuber productions and Executive Producer of a hot new NBC prime-time comedy, “Whitney.” (“Whitney” Thursdays, 9:30PM PST on NBC)

How does one journey from working in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice to developing Emmy-award winning series like “How I Met Your Mother” and “My Name Is Earl for Twentieth Century Fox Television”?

We also sourced questions from Quan’s friends at youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com, fellow Visual Communications Board member Phil Yu of angryasianman.com, and Jenny’s colleagues – actors Daegan Palermo and Ben Whitehair, writer Brian Kane, screenwriter Jonathan Peters and television writer Josh Kamensky (Well, look at that! A veritable hit parade of Asian American blogging superstars and white guys with thoughtful questions).

Find out what a producer actually does for a show, how you get a job as a writer, the virtues of a multi-camera show, when executives decide to work with a comedic talent to develop a show, and whether Quan wears boxers or briefs (Just for the record, that last question? Not mine).

I don’t think that I put out that that I’m the Asian American male voice.  No. I’m also the immigrant voice.  I’m also the oldest son’s voice.  I’m also the San Diego-raised voice.  So there’s a lot of different things that I hopefully bring to the table besides just being an Asian American man.  Because I think that’s not acknowledging the diversity of what people are.

– Quan Phung, The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, Episode 7

Whitney on NBC - Thursdays 9:30PM PST (SOURCE: NBC)

The short pilot episode audio clip of NBC’s “Whitney” featured in this podcast was used courtesy of NBC.

"Whitney" TV Show Live Taping at NBC Universal Studios, August 30, 2011. I'm in the front to the left! (Source: NBC Whitney)

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 7 of The CreativeLife podcast features the powerhouse voices and beautiful music of independent artists Alice Tong (“Sayin’ Hi” and “Capitalist Junkie” from “please be brave before the lions they come”) and Sue Jin (“Cant’ Help Falling In Love” cover).

Alice Tong Music

FROM ALICE TONG’S WEBSITE:

Alice Tong is singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist living in Oakland, CA. Her piano, guitar, ukelele, and harmonica playing are influenced by indie folk rock, jazz, and alt country, while her rich vocals are inspired by jazz, soul, and blues.

Her album of all-original songs entitled, “please be brave before the lions they come” was recorded in Los Angeles with a host of extremely talented musicians and producer/engineer Glenn Suravech (worked with Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Jackson Browne, Brett Dennen, Wallflowers, etc.).

Sue Jin's soulful sounds featured in Episode 7 of The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang

FROM SUE JIN’S WEBSITE:

Sue Jin is a soulful singer/songwriter from Los Angeles, an Associate Artist for Tuesday Night Cafe, and K-12 educator, who has performed on both television and radio.

Her album, “Worth the Tears” (2008) is available for review/purchase on iTunes.Her sophomore album, “Worthy” is scheduled to be released November, 2011.

LINKS:

• The CreativeLife blog about Whitney’s Live Studio Audience Taping Experience
• Swimming with Sharks (1994) – movie about working in the entertainment industry written and directed by George Huang
• All American Girl (1994) – TV series created by and starring Margaret Cho
• 21 Jump Street (1987-1991) and Dustin Nguyen as Harry Truman Ioki
• My Lovely Sam Soon – popular Korean drama (On Hulu)
• Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs – leadership training program
• Quan Phung LinkedIn public profile
• Definition of “Stunt Casting“

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

 Thanks for visiting The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, a podcast & blog about the art, business, & soul of living the Creative Life. If you find this interesting, subscribe to the RSS feed, visit our Facebook Page or add us on Twitter!

The CreativeLife Podcast Ep.6: Ann “A’misa” Chiu, Art Heart and Zine Fiend [Download] [Stream]

Ann "A'misa" Chiu would spread art like a friendly virus all over the city if she could. And she does.

Episode 6-Ann “A’misa” Chiu

What does it really take to make the practice of art-making into a way of life?  Ann Chiu has some answers, and it involves LOTS of glitter.

Download Episode 6 mp3: Ann “A’misa” Chiu
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Ann "A'misa" Chiu in her South Bay art-making headquarters.

At least that’s what she said off-microphone recently about her latest obsession.

Ann, or A’misa her artistic alter ego, credits Enid from the graphic novel Ghost World as the high school role model that launched her evolution into an art-committed life. One session of blue hair dye and a pair of combat boots later, Ann officially staked her claim on an independent high school identity.  Who knew that deep down inside this Japanese American, South Bay Los Angeles native was really a young angsty jewish girl?

Ann and Jenny share a few things in common.  They both went to North High School in Torrance and were “really” into Student Council.  They take a walk down memory lane, and discuss how their high school experiences shaped both their Asian American and creative identities.

Jenny attempts to uncover how exactly one grows from deep suburban Asian American roots to become a yarn-bombing, collage-crafting, daily-writing zine publisher who cites Yuri Kochiyama and the Black Power movement as key influences.

They talk zine culture, finding community through coffee, blogging and self-publishing, how to fit all that art into a single week and the grand master plan to culturally reconquer the South Bay into the vibrant Asian American/multiracial art scene that it always wanted to be.

Episode 6 Community Sponsor: Eyeball Burp is a tightly-edited dose of art and creativity, lovingly handcrafted by the wife and husband team of Ann “A’misa” Chiu and Alex Chiu. From their website:

Founded in 2008, by artists a’misa & alex chiu, Eyeball Burp is a cultural outlet that features the nooks and crannies of the art world.

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Hi-Fidel and Serengeti are "Friday Night"

This episode features the music of Serengeti and Hi-Fidel’s rap/electronica/pop collaboration Friday Night (breakfast records). Songs featured include Float from their Saturday Night album (2010), and Again and Again, Str8 2 Voicemail, and Down on the Corner off their self-titled debut album (2008).

LINKS:

• A’misa and Alex Chiu’s Eyeball Burp zine and blog
• A’misa’s art and blog: Colorish Dreams
• blacklava.net – another South Bay Asian American resource/further evidence of awesome creative reconquering of the South Bay.
• Ghost World  (the movie | the graphic novel)
• Yuri Kochiyama – human rights activist and Nisei Japanese American
• Warren Furutani – California State Assembly Representative (55th District)
• Ira Glass Quote on working your creative craft:

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”
— Ira Glass

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

 Thanks for visiting The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, a podcast & blog about the art, business, & soul of living the Creative Life. If you find this interesting, subscribe to the RSS feed, visit our Facebook Page or add us on Twitter!

The CreativeLife Podcast Ep.5: May Lee-Yang Would Make a Bad Porn Star [Download] [Stream]

May Lee-Yang! M is for Midwest. And Lee-Yang is Not Chinese. Let's Hear It For the Underdog.

Episode 5-May Lee-Yang

According to May Lee-Yang, breasts ruined her life.  She also insists that she would be a horrible porn star.  May has flown in from Minnesota to explain herself through the solo show, Ten Reasons Why I’d Be A Bad Porn Star…

Download Episode 5 mp3: May Lee-Yang
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…There will be two performances of the show this week during the Third Annual National Asian American Theater Festival in Los Angeles.  It’s not everyday you get a Hmong-American writer, playwright and community activist from the Twin Cities to take you into her quasi-autobiographical world of sexuality, toys, and obsession of British period romances.  And apparently, there are parallels between the porn hustle and the artistic hustle.

During this candid conversation from the aspiring romance novel writer, we come to an “It’s weird that I’m telling you this right now” moment.  We get politically incorrect and talk about what it takes to write more honestly, why the Midwest is coming up, and how the Chinese just can’t avoid having a superiority complex (Jenny shrugs). Oh. And Jenny’s Mom makes an unexpected cameo.

Episode 5 Community Sponsor: The 3rd National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival. Check out all the amazing shows this week and celebrate the National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival in Los Angeles from June 16-26, 2011. The event will be presented by the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) and hosted by Asian American Theaters East West Players and TeAda Productions, both residing in Los Angeles.  The theme for this year’s joint conference and festival is NEW DIRECTIONS citing transitional shifts in theater at all levels and an emerging generation of voices rising in the Asian American community.

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

LINKS:

• March 2011 Asian American Press article about May Lee-Yang
• May Lee-Yang’s Wikipedia page, including her numerous awards and fellowships
• May’s interview with University of Minnesota re: writing
• The Hmong Arts Connection – May is their Executive Director
• Burlee Vang – Hmong American Poet
• Fundraising Tool: Kickstarter.com
• Fundraising Tool: United States Artists

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

 Thanks for visiting The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, a podcast & blog about the art, business, & soul of living the Creative Life. If you find this interesting, subscribe to the RSS feed, visit our Facebook Page or add us on Twitter!