Shows
MIXUNDERSTOODEp 33: A Season Finale Reflection – Growth, Grief, and Finding My AnchorWhen my father passed away, it felt like losing a lifeline to my Japanese heritage. Navigating the grief and identity crisis that followed, I dreamt up Mixunderstood as a way to reconnect and heal. This season finale is a heartfelt reflection on how this podcast became a sanctuary in my journey of personal growth, even as I faced burnout, and the profound conversations that have shaped it, including an unforgettable exchange with Punita Khanna about our shared experiences with cancer in our families.
Creating Mixunderstood has been more than just a creative project; it's been a transformative experience that...2024-11-1625 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 32: Timing, Tenacity, and Logistical Triumphs: Emi and Phil’s Intercultural Love StoryIn this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Emi and Philip, a multicultural couple whose relationship has spanned continents and navigated countless challenges. Meeting in the U.S. in the early 2000s—before the convenience of Zoom calls and smartphones—Emi, who is Japanese, and Philip, who is English/Australian, embarked on a long-distance relationship that tested their resolve, patience, and commitment.
Their journey takes us through the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles of maintaining a relationship across oceans, navigating time differences, visa issues, learning each other's languages and accents, and staying flexible around constant career changes.
2024-09-0254 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 31: Giving Up Your World to Join Your Mixed Family in Manzanar, with Tracy SlaterWhat would you do to keep your family together during the most challenging times? In this episode, we’re discussing a story of sacrifice, resilience, and the lengths one woman went to in order to stay with her family. During World War II, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps across the United States. In the midst of this, one woman made an unthinkable choice. Elaine Buchman Yoneda, a Jewish American, voluntarily entered one of these camps, Manzanar, to stay with her Japanese American husband Karl and their three-year-old son Tommy.
...2024-08-2244 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 30: Taking or Leaving Cultural Clichés: Nacho and Tina's Intercultural Love StoryIn today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Tina and Nacho, a couple whose whirlwind romance began on Tinder in Miami and has taken them across continents to settle in Buenos Aires. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and navigating cultural clichés as they merge their lives together.
Join us as we explore what it’s like to be in a long-distance international relationship and the realities of moving to a new country for your partner. Tina, from Germany, and Nacho, from Argentina, have faced numerous logistical challenges, from living in shared spaces in...2024-08-1652 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 29: From Boston Academic to Japanese Housewife: How Intercultural Love Transformed Tracy Slater’s LifeEver wondered how a fiercely independent academic from Boston could end up embracing the traditional role of a Japanese housewife? Tracy Slater, acclaimed author of The Good Shufu: Finding Love, Self, and Home on the Far Side of the World, joins us to unravel her incredible journey. From teaching in men's prisons to becoming a shufu in Japan, Tracy's story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and unexpected love.
In this episode, we explore how Tracy navigated the logistics of moving to Japan, adapting to a new culture, and balancing her career shift with the demands of a...2024-08-1652 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 28: A Mother’s Love: Punita Khanna on Giving Her Mixed-Race Son Options and ExposureIn this episode, we sit down with Punita Khanna, a first-generation Indian Punjabi immigrant and co-author of Mixed Daisies: Stories of Multiracial South Asians. As the mother of Rahul, featured in Episode 27, Punita reflects on her journey of raising a mixed-race child in a context where such families were relatively rare.
Punita shares her experiences of feeling like an outsider—facing discrimination as a brown person in the United States and struggling with acceptance in India. Despite these challenges, her unwavering dedication to providing Rahul with the best opportunities, resources, and community support shines through.
Be...2024-07-3059 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 27: From Teen Identity Struggles to Empowering Mixed Youth with Rahul YatesIn this episode, we sit down with Rahul Arjun John Yates, founder of HumSub Global Teen and co-creator of Mixed-Desis: Stories of Multi-racial South Asians as he opens up about his unique journey as a multiracial teen in Los Angeles. Growing up with an Indian Punjabi mother and a White father, Rahul navigated the complexities of multicultural identity, which eventually led to the creation of a global platform supporting mixed-race youth.
Listen as Rahul shares heartfelt stories of feeling more connected to his Indian heritage through dance and poignant moments of questioning his identity, offering a relatable...2024-07-231h 12MIXUNDERSTOODEP 26: Live from the Free to Be Fest: Celebrating Mixed Identity!We are taking a little side chat, a break from our season's theme of mixed relationships and family dynamics, because guess what? Mixunderstood and yours truly, Hanna-Lee, went to our first event for mixed people!
This episode is a bit different from our usual format. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Free to Be Fest, a celebration of the mixed experience, right here in downtown LA.
The Free to Be Fest is an amazing event that showcases the richness of mixed identity and belonging. This year, it featured two short films and a...2024-07-1655 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 25: Maria Fernanda's Unwavering Search to Reunite with Her First Mom (Part 2)In part 1, we explored what it was like for Maria Fernanda growing up as a mixed-race transracial adoptee. We delved into the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, what it was like growing up with white parents, and being in an interracial relationship and getting pregnant unexpectedly. Becoming a young mom was a turning point for Maria Fernanda, who says it was the moment of “coming out of the fog” when she started to want answers and began the arduous journey of searching for her “First mother.”
Now, in part 2, we delve deeper into the emotional and chal...2024-07-0953 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 24: Resilience Redefined: Maria Fernanda's Transracial Adoption Experience (Part 1)How does a transracial adoptee navigate the intricate tapestry of identity, culture, and belonging? Join us as Maria Fernanda, a passionate advocate and voice for adoptees, shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey from Quito, Ecuador, to her adoptive home in the United States. Maria's story is one of resilience and determination, as she unveils the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, the painstaking process of uncovering adoption records, and the profound impact of reclaiming her identity and reconnecting with her birth family.
Maria discusses her transformative work in co-creating Adoptees of Latin America plus Extended Latin...2024-07-0243 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 23: Rejection to Reclamation: Patrick's Transracial Adoption JourneyIdentity is not a destination but a journey, especially for transracial adoptees. In this Episode we are diving into the conversation around transracial and transcultural adoption. I am honored to host Patrick Samuel Young Armstrong, a multifaceted individual, a podcaster, speaker, creator and a new father. Patrick's journey as a Korean-American, transracial and transcultural adoptee is a profound exploration of identity and acceptance. From a childhood marked by rejection to a transformative awakening at 30, Patrick's story is one of reclaiming and embracing his heritage and humanity all while fostering community within the adoptee and Asian American realms. Join us...2024-06-251h 23MIXUNDERSTOODEp 22: Wholeness and Inclusivity: A Children's Book for Mixed Kids with Shola OzIn this Episode we're spotlighting Shola Oz, the author of the children’s book “I am whole”
Growing up as a first-generation immigrant in the bustling and diverse city of London, Shola learned early on to embrace and celebrate people from all walks of life.
Shola's path to authorship was anything but conventional. Motivated by the lack of positive representation for mixed-race children, she was inspired to write "I Am Whole" after persistent, rhyming lines kept appearing in her dreams. This passion project transcended her immediate circle, resonating particularly in the US, and underlining the global...2024-06-1859 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 21: Cultivating Balance and Growth in Your Multicultural Family with Mareike and KimIn this episode, I chat with sisters Kim Serena and Mareike Matthies. Raised in Munich, they now navigate the challenges of intercultural family life, with partners from Venezuela and Italy, bringing a rich mix of languages and cultures into their homes. Through their project, "A Couple of Cultures," Kim and Mareike help other intercultural couples by sharing personal stories and professional tips on raising bilingual kids and blending different cultural backgrounds.
Kim and Mareike stress the importance of communication and tolerance in maintaining harmony in multicultural families. They also offer practical tips for nurturing strong dual cultural...2024-06-111h 13MIXUNDERSTOODEP 20: Making Up Our Own Rules! Raising Mixed Kids - With Psychologist Dr. JennIn this episode, we sit down with licensed psychologist Dr. Jennifer Noble, also known as Dr. Jenn, and delve into the challenges and limitations that might arise when raising mixed race kids and learn how to ownership of the process.
We also have a second surprise visit by my former co-host Amy Maghera!
Dr. Jenn shares invaluable insights on supporting mixed race kids, navigating racial identity, and overcoming microaggressions. Hanna-Lee opens up about her own fears and hesitations about becoming a parent from a multicultrual perspective. This episode is packed with practical advice!
W...2024-06-041h 15MIXUNDERSTOODEp 19: Love and Survival - The Origins of Mestizo Identity Through Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil Ha In today's unique episode, we're exploring the remarkable story of Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil Ha, one of the earliest mixed-race couples in Latin American history. Gonzalo, a Spanish sailor, and Zazil Ha, a Mayan princess, came together to create a family that symbolized the merging of Spanish and indigenous cultures, marking the origins of the mestizo identity. This episode provides a vivid picture of the early 1500s in the Yucatan Peninsula, a time when European powers were driven by exploration and conquest. Join us as we journey through the lush and culturally rich world of the Maya and discover h...2024-05-2817 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 18: Dawn and Elimu's Interracial Love Bubble: Having Hard Conversations About RaceJoining us today are Dawn Ellinwood and Elimu Nelson, an inspiring interracial couple who, after navigating the challenges of each raising their own children and primarily dating within their own racial backgrounds, now find themselves together, in their 50s, maintaining a strong connection despite their semi-long distance relationship. Tune in to hear about Dawn’s experience around transracial adoption as a mother to her two daughters from her previous marriage. Also, discover Elimu's journey of being caught between racial perceptions as a young boy and evolving into an adult who embraces his black identity, prioritizing connection in relationships. Together, th...2024-05-211h 01MIXUNDERSTOODEP 17: Hanna-Lee and Amy open up about their parent's mixed marriage as well as their ownIn today’s Episode we have a special appearance from someone you already know pretty well, It's a pre-recorded conversation with my former co-host and dear friend, Amy, before she embarked on her next adventure which is around the corner - Baby number 2!
In this oh so intimate discussion, Amy and I delve into our experiences growing up in mixed-race households, exploring the impact our parents' marriage had on us as children as well as our own mixed marriages. We'll also touch on the landmark Loving vs. Virginia case, a pivotal moment in history that legalized interracial marr...2024-05-141h 02MIXUNDERSTOODEp 16: Bridging Cultures with Ayurveda and Psychology: Gabriella and Rakesh's Intercultural Love StorySome of you might recall today’s guests from Season 1’s finale episode about Holiday Tales from around the world.
They are the sweetest couple you’ve ever met - Gabriella & Rakesh Zope. Gabriella is a psychologist from Hungary, Rakesh an Ayurveda doctor from India, and they currently live in Budapest.
Together, they’ve worked to integrate their different expertise to guide and support intercultural couples through the intricacies of relationship and the journey into parenthood.
In this Episode we talk about their intercultural relationship as well as their insights on celebrating differences and buildin...2024-05-071h 01MIXUNDERSTOODEP 15: Mami's Imperfectly Perfect Cross-Cultural Dating JourneyStep into the world of cross-cultural dating with First-generation Japanese-American Mami Sugita!
In this episode, Mami opens up about her whirlwind journey through relationships that span continents, cultures, and a whole lot of soul-searching.
Mami shares candid insights into the challenges and misunderstandings that shaped each romantic encounter. But beyond the typical relationship hurdles, Mami delves into the nuances of navigating different cultural expressions of affection and love as well as relationship status and commitment.
Growing up, Mami navigated the complexities of her dual heritage, often feeling caught between two worlds and like...2024-04-2955 minMIXUNDERSTOODSeason 2 Teaser!Welcome to the second season of MixUnderstood, as we continue to explores the interracial and intercultural experiences. In our first season, we shared our personal stories as well as our collective journey in the entertainment industry, all centering around what it means to be 'mixed.'
In this new season, we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of interracial relationships, diverse family dynamics, and so much more.
With Amy embarking on a new personal journey, I’m thrilled to carry on the torch this season and keep the dialogue open for us to learn, grow, and evol...2024-04-2608 minMIXUNDERSTOODSEASON 2 UPDATE: Embracing Change, Amy's Farewell, and What's next.After much thoughtful consideration, Amy, my most wonderful co-host and friend, has decided to step down from the podcast. While I will miss her terribly - I'm truly beyond grateful for the episodes we've created together. We've poured our everything into season 1 and it's one of the most fulfilling endeavors we've ever had.
Change is a natural part of life, and even though it's very hard for me to bid farewell to Amy, I'm excited about the new opportunities and creative directions that lie ahead for the podcast. Our time with Amy has been filled with laughter...2024-01-3011 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 13: Multicultural festivities from around the world: To rice or not to rice!? Listener’s tales unveiledIn this week’s SEASON FINALE we go out with a bang by sharing a multicultural mashup of holiday stories from you, our amazing listeners! We truly felt rejuvenated and enriched after this episode and we hope you will too!
From how they do things in a British/Columbian/American household with post midnight Christmas eve parties, to the intricacies of how an intercultural Hungarian and Indian couple celebrate, to a Polish Ashcanazi Jewish Father and a Jamaican Mother learning about each others traditions and continuing them for their children, even when the other isn’t arou...2023-12-191h 12MIXUNDERSTOODEp 12: Dancing nuns, Curried Brussels sprouts and a news crew on Christmas morning - Amy and Hanna-Lee’s fun, festive fusion stories.What’s it like to be mixed when it comes to celebrating the holidays?
In this episode we share our own stories about the joys, challenges, and quirks of our diverse holiday experiences. We talk about how it feels to live away from our families and explore the unique experiences that come from navigating the festive season within our own interracial and intercultural marriages, and how these blend into our holiday traditions.
We also discuss the often unspoken aspect of holidays - the pressure to conform to societal norms and the reality that sometimes, Christmas just...2023-12-121h 04MIXUNDERSTOODEp 11: Bee Stings, Bollywood and Biting Tom Cruise - Amy and Hanna-Lee’s Industry StoriesTo finish our mixed actors in the entertainment industry series, we share our own stories! We get into our first jobs, cringe worthy moments, career highs and lows, acting in different accents and languages, dodgy auditions, having an identity crisis at the most inappropriate times, bizarre situations and more.
Additional info on the Podcast:
Hosts: Amy Maghera -Taub, Hanna-Lee Sakakibara
Music: Mathias Kunzli - www.mathiaskunzli.com
If you liked this episode please share it and subscribe to Mixunderstood where ever you listen to your Podcasts. Please rate...2023-12-051h 01MIXUNDERSTOODEp 10: Lena Horne and Fredi Washington - Mixed Heritage Trailblazers in Hollywood’s Golden EraSummary:
Imagine working in Hollywood as a mixed actor at a time when showing the ‘mixing of races’ on screen was prohibited, with interracial marriage being banned in more than 30 states in America. Or, having your scenes in your movies be stand alone shots so that you could be easily removed to cater to audiences who would reject your participation in non-menial roles due to your skin color. These are just two examples of the struggles that these incredible, resilient powerhouses faced. We start with Lena Horne and explore her remarkable life, from her beginnings in the fame...2023-11-281h 13MIXUNDERSTOODEp 9: The Hidden Battles of Mixed Icons Rita Hayworth and Merle Oberon in the Golden Era of HollywoodSummary:
Join us as we eagerly explore the lives of these two iconic mixed actresses, during the glitz and glamor days of old Hollywood. We discover Oberon's journey, from her upbringing under false family pretenses to crafting a fabricated backstory to hide her biracial identity. We get into the societal pressures and Hollywood's Hays Code that influenced her concealment, and discuss the impact of her unacknowledged South Asian heritage on her legacy. Transitioning to Rita Hayworth, we share her transformation from a dancer in a family of performers to a Hollywood sensation, while of course digging deep...2023-11-2147 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 8: Thriving in Showbiz with an unapologetically ethnic name - Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy’s Journey from Luke to MajidFrom humorous and humbling moments like falling off stage to profound revelations, Majid shares his experiences of changing his stage name to fit in and later, of reclaiming his Iranian heritage. We delve into the nuances of identity, the mixed-race experience, and the pressures to change oneself or chip away parts of yourself in order to meet the expectations of others and fit neatly into society’s categories.
Episode breakdown:
Introduction to Actor, Theatre director and writer Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy
An exploration into Majid's decision to initially change his stage name to Luke Jerdy to appear more British and his...2023-11-1445 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 7: The Mixed Actor’s Dilemma in Hollywood with guests Colin McCalla, Kyla Nova, Amy ward and Lorenzo SilvaJoin us as we get right into the nuanced experiences of four mixed-race actors: Collin McCalla, Kyla Nova, Amy Ward and Lorenzo Silva as they navigate the complex landscape of Hollywood casting.
We explore the challenges they face when their identities intersect with industry stereotypes and casting conventions. We examine the delicate balance between diversity in casting and authentic representation, raising questions on ethnicity, identity, and the evolving standards of storytelling in film and television.
How should Hollywood balance the quest for authenticity in casting with the fluidity of mixed-race identities?
Where do...2023-11-0731 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 6: ’Why AI replacing Actors is a Threat to Diversity and Cultural Progress’. An eye-opening conversation with Filmmaker, Writer and Actor Joanna Ke
In a world that is rapidly embracing AI, what happens when it begins to replace actors? As the SAG actors union strike crosses its 100th day, we dive deep into the pivotal role AI plays in the ongoing negotiations. Joanna Ke's compelling article - “ Why AI Replacing Actors is a Threat to Diversity and Cultural Progress '', poses a question we hadn't fully grasped: How does AI's involvement in the entertainment industry potentially undermine diversity and cultural progress? Why are actors so concerned, and is their battle truly just about pay? Are we looking at a mere ind...2023-10-3156 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 5: Talent Manager Matilda Comers: On Representing Multiracial Actors, Diversity in the Industry and Her Promise to Mother TeresaIn the latest instalment of our "Mixed Actors in the Entertainment Industry" series, we sit down with power house Manager and Producer, Matilda Comers.
We dive into Matilda's unique vantage point on representing mixed actors, how she feels the industry has changed when it comes to diversity, and her personal multicultural story.
We also tackle a pressing and complex question for actors: Should we set our own limits in playing diverse roles or let the industry decide for us? (How much of the onus should be on us, if any, especially when we have limited i...2023-10-2448 minMIXUNDERSTOODEp 4: Mixed in Hollywood - Casting complexities and artistic empowerment with Crystal Yan-Kay LoweWe’re kicking off our “mixed actors in the entertainment industry” series.
Lowe shares insightful and personal stories about navigating her career in the ever changing landscape of Hollywood being of both Chinese and Scottish heritage.
We dive into diversity issues and casting complexities in the industry with mixed actors, as well as colorism and the importance of fair representation in media.
What do you do when your reps are asking you to “play up/down” one side of your identity because it’s “in”?
What roles are available for mixed actors and can a...2023-10-1747 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 3: Navigating those awkward teenage years as a multicultural and multiracial adolescentAghhh aren’t those teenage years hard enough without the added complexity of being mixed? We chat about our adolescent insecurities, heartbreaks and embarrassing stories, as well as the challenges and beauties of blending traditions and identities during hose critical identity forming years. We also share research and data about child and teen development for people of mixed heritage. If you’re a parent of a mixed child/teen or know one, this episode is for you too!
We discuss:
Developmental theories for multiracial children and teens
Mental health studies of mixed adolescents
Emotional needs of multira...2023-10-031h 06MIXUNDERSTOODEP 1: Do names define us? The complexities of changing or reclaiming them in the context of mixed heritageIt’s our first episode ever! We are so excited that you are here! Get a glimpse into who we are and join us as we delve into why we are doing this podcast, share research around the multiracial population and reveal the personal stories of our name changes.
Here is a breakdown of the discussion
Introduction to us
The term 'third culture kid'
Reasons why we felt compelled to do this podcast
Data and research into the growing multiracial population
Our own artistic projects to do with being multiracial and multicultural
The stories of our own...2023-10-0347 minMIXUNDERSTOODEP 2: Race as a social construct: With guest Dr. Stephanie MeredithIn this episode, biological anthropologist, Dr Stephanie Meredith chats with us about race as a social construct and how even though it’s not a biological reality, the impacts of racial categorizations are still very, very real. We also delve into funny, strange and gobsmacking personal stories around racial perceptions.
Episode breakdown:
The history of racial classifications and their arbitrary nature, based on physical traits
The Human Genome Project's findings on genetic similarity
How other species have a lot more genetic diversity than we do
The history of the census, when it comes to racial categories an...2023-10-0356 minMIXUNDERSTOODTrailerHello! We are so excited to bring you the trailer to our new podcast, Mixunderstood - a show that aims to better understand what it is to be multiracial and multicultural. Are you mixed? Not mixed? Know someone who is mixed? Have a child who is mixed? Or simply just want to learn about mixed people? All are welcome here!
2023-09-3002 min