Sharon Lee Thony and Raman Sehgal are two MODERN MINORITIES - Asian-American industry pros "making it" (?) - even though they never became the doctors their parents wanted them to be. Each week, they are joined by folks of all stripes - entrepreneurs, corporates, athletes, reporters, politicians, entertainers, and more - to uncover how our different cultural backgrounds shape how we uniquely experience the world. MODERN MINORITIES is a collection of conversations about work and life through the lens of race and gender. It is a show where we talk about “the thing” that everyone is thinking about, but nobody is actually talking about it. New episodes drop weekly.
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“ It's a message of resilience in the face of adversity — a sandbox, where every person has a story, an important point of view — folks doing something different who can be interesting, wonderful, and celebrated.”
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, we saw Star Wars for the first time — and everything changed, for so many of us. Let’s be honest, it has been a long and winding relationship with all the space wizards and laser swords over the years — from Ahsoka to BB-8, from Yoda to Zahn, and everything in between. So for this May the Fourth, we got together many FrieMMds of the Pod, old and new, who all have Star Wars stories because like the Force that binds all living things in the universe. And like any good story, Star Wars holds a mirror to the moment we're in, especially now. ANDOR anyone? Joining our wretched hive of scum and villainy who are creative and geeky in all the right ways...
Josh Ridenour: co-host of the Rabbit Fighters podcast, Quarantined Comics frequent flyer,, and the former number one Weezer fan from Alabama. creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/rabbit-fighters
Lisa Angulo Reid: our latest MM co-host, and co-founder of DearFlor - the first Filipino owned cannabis brand, bringing Filipino culture to the world, one flavor at a time - DearFlor.com
Ainsley Waller: award-winning creative director - back from our 2021 chat on Robins coming out - who blends their passion for sci-fi, fantasy, & fashion history - ainsleyrivers.com
MENTIONS
ANDOR FTW: theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/22/andor-how-a-star-wars-deep-cut-became-one-of-the-best-tv-shows-of-the-year
SW = Vietnam? reddit.com/r/movies/comments/d5glo0/george_lucas_explaining_how_the_heroes_of_star/
SUPERIOR SEQUELS: Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy - https://www.goodreads.com/series/42348-star-wars-the-thrawn-trilogy
HOTH WEAR (Overpriced): columbia.com/starwars
MUPPETS: Fozziebacca & Friends: muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars_Muppets_action_figures
TEE (Aces High): norselegionstore.com/collections/shirts/products/tie-pilot-t-shirt-and-patch
VID (What if Ep.1 was good good)? youtube.com/watch?v=VgICnbC2-_Y
POD (Josh & Raman): Weezer OK Spreadsheet : creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/rabbit-fighters/episodes/20---Weezer-OK-Spreadsheet-e2oqla0
POD (Ainsley & Raman): Holy Bi-Robin! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holy-bi-robin-tim-drake-comes-out/id1507595726?i=1000538532578
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Jonathan Hill’s (Second) Most Perfect Episode Ever
Season 10 · Episode 288
Sunday, April 27, 2025 • Duration 01:16:10
“Even though this is a book about snake girls and lizard boys — it's about universal experiences: we can't change what's happening, but you never know when being kind will change somebody else. ,”
Jonathan Hill’s an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, and educator in Portland, Oregon — and a returning guest - to celebrate the launch of his latest graphic novel: “Lizard Boy 2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever.” While the sci-fi title might have you scratching your head, this YA sequel is actually a beautiful, compelling story of self-acceptance, community, and family — we can’t recommend it enough for parents and kids alike, as well as it’s prequel “Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy.” Jonathan is HALF Vietnamese American - and while the story is about an immigrant family, community acceptance, and belonging - Jonathan’s work, his characters and their journey are important for all of us to be reading at this particular moment in our nation.
Jonathan’s work has been published by Walker Books, First Second, and Oni Press - and featured at ABC New Voices, YALSA and JLG selections, and won awards like the 2012 Carla Cohen Free Speech Award, the 2021 Believer Book Award for Graphic Literature, and the 2022 Junior Library Guild Selection. Jonathan’s also an accomplished cartoonist with clients like Microsoft, the Portland Trailblazers, the Viet Nam Literature Project, the Inlander, Fantagraphics Books, Dark Horse Comics, Tor.com, The Believer Magazine, Literary Arts, and Powell's City of Books. AND he’s been the staff illustrator to The Asian Reporter since 2007. Jonathan also teaches comics and visual narrative - having taught at the Pacific Northwest College, the Oregon College of Art and Craft. He graduated as valedictorian from the prestigious Savannah College of Art & Design, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Literary Arts and chairs the Youth Programs Advisory Council.
Jonathan’s an important voice, creating important work for not just our kids, but for all of us to be learning from — so be sure to check out his work.
LEARN MORE
oneofthejohns.com/one-of-the-johns
instagram.com/oneofthejohns
BOOK 1: Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy - penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714742/tales-of-a-seventh-grade-lizard-boy-a-graphic-novel-by-jonathan-hill-illustrated-by-jonathan-hill/
BOOK 2: Lizard Boy 2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever - penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774237/lizard-boy-2-the-most-perfect-summer-ever-by-jonathan-hill-illustrated-by-jonathan-hill/9781536216479/
MENTIONS
OUR FIRST CHAT (May 2023): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jonathan-hills-tales-of-belonging/id1507595726?i=1000613932953
COMIC: Speechless: A Graphic Novel (Aron Nels Steinke): goodreads.com/book/show/210563340
MUSIC: Neko Case - https://www.allmusic.com/artist/neko-case-mn0000381371
MUSIC:
Kim Deal’s New Album - https://kimdeal.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-loves-you-more
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Keith Pedro’s (Trillipino) journey
Season 10 · Episode 288
Sunday, April 20, 2025 • Duration 01:09:17
“They want your immigrant voice — they don't want to hear about me just growing up, even though that's the truth, right? And then I realized I could clearly make a living just performing for my people.”
Keith Pedro is a renowned Canadian comedian who has garnered worldwide acclaim through his captivating live performances. In 2022, he was honored with a Juno Award nomination for his Comedy Album, "TRILLIPINO," in the category of Comedy Album of the Year. He has made a name for himself as one of the standout performers on "Roast Battle Canada," earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination for his work on the show. Keith has been recognized by Complex as one of the top Canadian comedians in the industry. His stand-up comedy has been showcased on Kevin Hart's LOL Network, and has made numerous appearances on television, including MTV, CBC, FuseTV, and more. Keith is a regular performer at the Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival and the CBC Halifax and Winnipeg Comedy Festivals. He has also made notable appearances on the hit TV show "Degrassi the Next Generation." Keith's dynamic and versatile comedy style ranges from crowd work to relatable written material, and his live performances are not to be missed.
LEARN MORE
keithpedro.com/
instagram.com/keithpedro
youtube.com/user/keithpedrocomedy
tiktok.com/@keith.pedro
open.spotify.com/artist/6nDuqILZ3e43OB3Q1sGul9
This conversation was hosted by FrieMMd of the Pod Lisa Angulo Reid —sharing conversations with Filipino and Asian American changemakers. Lisa also happens to be the Co-Founder & CEO of Dear Flor - the first infused gummy with classic Filipino flavors. Learn more @ DearFlor.com
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Suresh’s (journey) home
Season 10 · Episode 287
Sunday, April 13, 2025 • Duration 57:01
“When everything changed recently, we promised ourselves we would not get wrapped into the daily news. Yes, we're paying attention, but it's going to happen - and the coping mechanisms have never changed.”
Suresh is a Malaysian-born, London-raised, gay media exec in NY, who over the years, has become an important voice about authenticity, discipline, and hard work. Suresh is direct, honest and reflective — in an industry full of a lot of talk. With everything going on in the world today, you’ll hopefully find as much relief in this conversation with a new friend.
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Nicole Ponseca’s (igniting) hospitality
Season 10 · Episode 285
Sunday, April 6, 2025 • Duration 01:09:13
“ I certainly learned about how media works — our faces and our stories weren't included. That was my bat signal to make that change.”
Nicole Ponseca is a pioneering voice in the culinary world and one of the most respected thought leaders in the Hospitality and Filipino community. Nicole has proven herself on the NYC scene with critically acclaimed restaurants, Maharlika and Jeepney. She revolutionized perceptions of Filipino food in the United States, turning bold and authentic flavors into a movement that resonated with diners, critics, and food enthusiasts alike. Her debut cookbook, I Am a Filipino, is a James Beard Award finalist and hailed as a definitive work on Filipino cuisine, celebrated as a cookbook of the year and top lists from The New Yorker, NY Times, LA Times, Saveur, Food and Wine, Chicago Tribune and more. Nicole’s unconventional career journey began in advertising, but but found her true calling in food and culture. By night, she spent a decade in every restaurant role imaginable—hostess, server, bartender, manager—learning the ins and outs of the industry to fulfill her mission. Namely, the creation of Maharlika and Jeepney, two groundbreaking establishments that introduced Filipino dishes like Kamayan feasts to the mainstream and became cultural hubs for the Filipino community and a signal that Filipino food was claiming its seat at the culinary table. You’ll enjoy this conversation blending storytelling, food, and culture
This conversation was hosted by FrieMMd of the Pod Lisa Angulo Reid —sharing conversations with Filipino and Asian American changemakers. Lisa also happens to be the Co-Founder & CEO of Dear Flor - the first infused gummy with classic Filipino flavors. Learn more @ DearFlor.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Filipino Food (faves all) Month
Season 10 · Episode 285
Monday, March 31, 2025 • Duration 01:00:40
“Food is our love language. It's those types of food memories that are straight from the motherland — these are the things we carry with us.”
Did you know April was Filipino Food Month? While we’ve all got a Filipino friend (or three), can you name more than one Filipino food besides those amazing tiny spring rolls (Lumpia FTW)? Either way, we’ve got something special for you. Co-host Lisa Angulo Reid (DearFlor.com) put up the Halo-halo Signal and got some amazing Filipino favorite food and restaurant recos from around the country, and unpacks the really really for the rest of us.
FILIPINO FOOD MENTIONS
Filipino Food & Terms to Know:
Lumpia – Thin, crispy spring rolls filled with meat and veggies.
Pancit – Stir-fried noodles with julienned carrots, celery, cabbage, and your choice of pork, shrimp, or chicken.
Sinigang – A tangy, comforting tamarind-based soup with tomato, onion, and often pork, shrimp, or fish.
Caldereta – Hearty beef stew with tomato sauce, liver paste, black pepper, and olives.
Pinakbet – A vegetable stew made with eggplant, bitter melon, tomatoes, green beans, and squash, flavored with shrimp paste. Often topped with crispy pork belly (bagnet).
Lechon Liempo – Roasted pork belly stuffed with lemongrass, garlic, and onions, slow-cooked until the skin is perfectly crispy.
Halo-Halo – A colorful shaved ice dessert with sweet beans, jackfruit, coconut, and palm fruit, topped with ube (purple yam) ice cream and leche flan.
Kare-Kare – A rich peanut-based stew featuring oxtail or fried pork belly, served with shrimp paste (bagoong).
Dinuguan – Known as "chocolate meat," this savory stew is made of pork and offal simmered in pork blood, vinegar, and garlic.
Carinderia (Turo-Turo) – Casual eateries with dishes displayed in steam tables—just point at what you want!
FILIPINO FOOD VOICES & THEIR PICKS
Lydia Querian (@ellekarayan) – Broke Da Mouth (HI) – Oxtail Adobo (brokedamouthgrindz.co)
Brian Velasquez Reid (@breid40ohz) – Naks NYC – Lechon Liempo (naks.nyc)
Nicole Ponseca (@nicoleponseca) – Orient Valley (CA) – NYT Best-selling cookbook (amzn.to/4iTosiQ)
Geraldine Mae Cueva (@ohhhmygeeg) – Lasita (LA) – Mushroom Sisig: A sizzling dish traditionally made with pork jowl and ears, replaced here with mushrooms. (lasita-la.com)
Patricia Dingalasan (@patriciadinglasancomedy) – Kabisera (NYC) – Lumpia Shanghai: Mini crispy spring rolls with seasoned pork.
Susie Quesada (@ramarfoods) – Alda’s Kitchen (CA) – Silog Breakfast Plates: A combo of garlic fried rice, egg, and meats like tocino (sweet cured pork) or longganisa (Filipino sausage). (aldaskitchenandbakery.com)
Aebbey (@chicagotestkitchen) – Ruby’s Fast Food (Chicago) – Sisig & Pancit Palabok: A noodle dish with a bright orange annatto-based sauce, topped with shrimp, pork, crispy chicharrón, and boiled egg. (rubysfastfoodchicago.com)
Ron Dizon (@teofilocoffeecompany) – Teofilo Coffee (Long Beach) – Filipino-imported coffee (teofilocoffeecompany.com)
This conversation was co-hosted by FrieMMd of the Pod Lisa Angulo Reid —sharing conversations with Filipino and Asian American changemakers. Lisa also happens to be the Co-Founder & CEO of Dear Flor - the first infused gummy with classic Filipino flavors. Learn more @ DearFlor.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vaib’s (American) dream
Season 10 · Episode 284
Sunday, March 23, 2025 • Duration 54:37
“Living in the US was like a hand in a glove for me — I just came here and loved it. Now, my opinion is slowly changing - seeing everything that's happening. But I still miss it because it made me the person I am today.”
Vaib’s a friend of a friend - we were told we should meet because we’d get along. We covered a lot of ground — the political difference between India and America, the role of activism, the role of fear in activism in our modern era, and some of his own healthcare advocacy interests. Given everything going on right now - which we’ve lately avoided on this pod, it just felt like a very necessary conversation for the moment we’re in — so just felt nice to unpack things on my mind, including what my own role is in the current era that we're in in America. No answers, no expectations, just a ranging conversation with a new friend with a similar but different perspective.
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Susie Quesada’s (whole) self
Season 10 · Episode 283
Saturday, March 15, 2025 • Duration 01:14:21
“It's important we bring our whole self — that's how you create trust, you bring that vulnerability. I had to learn to let my guard down, and it's made me a better leader.”
Susie Quesada is President of Ramar Foods - one of the oldest leading manufacturers of Filipino foods in America. While Ramar is news to most of us - it’s not to the 4M+ Filipino Americans out there - and we’ve all got a Filipino friend (or more than a few). While Susie Quesada grew up in the family's business - starting work at the age of 8 - she actually pursued a career in public education. She later rejoined Ramar full time in 2005 in various positions before assuming the role of President in 2013. For her - it’s all about the legacy that her grandmother and father started.
This conversation was hosted by FrieMMd of the Pod Lisa Angulo Reid —sharing conversations with Filipino and Asian American changemakers. Lisa also happens to be the Co-Founder & CEO of Dear Flor - the first infused gummy with classic Filipino flavors. Learn more @ DearFlor.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
David Yin’s (evolved) identity
Season 10 · Episode 282
Monday, March 3, 2025 • Duration 57:54
“There was literally nothing I could do to fit in — and at some point, I decided to not bother trying. It really encouraged an independence that has carried me through the rest of my life and career.”
David Yin, is an exec working at the intersection of consumer health and technology - who through happenstance, became a kindred spirit on so many conversations, about work, life, and even comic books. While David’s Texas born, he’s anything but a Texan, having built a career and life on both coasts of NY and SF. While we’ve already had a few chai walk and talks, sharing more than a few things in common from our Southern upbringings to wrestling with the professional lives and intellectual curiosities to just a love for all things nerdy - this was a lot of fun to reflect with a new old friend on not just where we're from and where we're going, but to also reflect on everything we've learned and have been thinking about along the way...
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Michael Wong’s (Asian) Verified
Season 10 · Episode 281
Sunday, February 23, 2025 • Duration 01:13:56
“Just because your parents wanted the best for you in one way doesn't mean that you rebelling doesn't mean you still can't give back to them by living a good life.”
Michael Wong is basically a cultural anthropologist for Asian America. A Seattle-based commentator, Michael’s best known for Asian Verified on Instagram + TikTok, and also writes a monthly column for The Stranger, a Seattle newspaper. This is the first of many conversation with Filipino entrepreneurs GUEST-hosted by new FrieMMd of the Pod, past guest, and Filipina entrepreneur Lisa Angulo Reid.
LEARN MORE
instagram.com/asianverified
thestranger.com/collections/79782549/asian-verified
GUEST HOST (Lisa Reid): https://dearflor.com
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