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Come sit and reflect with us on the amazing accomplishments and MASSIVE milestones we’ve shared as Level: Asian turns TWO!
THANK YOU to everyone for your incredible support over the last TWO years! We’ve grown so much together, shared many insane projects (👀 Vinh Giang’s Carter Event, #WAWE series, and two Food Events, just to name a few) and shared many stories (including our own) on this platform.
As migrant Asians, we often forget to take a moment to reflect and acknowledge our accomplishments that we’ve achieved with Level: Asian, so join Kan, Davie, Viv and Noel in this special heartfelt episode to reflect and celebrate our second birthday.
Make sure you stick around until the end of this episode where we share a special announcement. SO...in saying that, we're making a few EXCITING changes to our content over our short season break and we can't wait for you to see it.
We’re so grateful to have such a supportive community, stoked for all the exciting episodes and opportunities 2025 has planned for us!
✨ If you have any suggestions of what YOU would like to see, LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!! 🫶🏼
Check Out Our Other Eps: www.levelasianpodcast.com/
Our Merch Store: store.levelasianpodcast.com/ -
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In this episode of the Level: Asian Podcast, we break down the roles and responsibilities we carry amongst our siblings, how we live into our stereotypical traits, and unlearning our roles within the family to allow our siblings to grow.
Kan and Viv share their experiences growing up with the ‘first’ version of their parents, juggling with their dual roles to manage the parental and sibling emotional burden, and how they have started sharing the burden with the siblings, while Noel reflects his childhood as an only child and his desires to have a sibling to grow up with.
Davie opens up about his family’s sibling dynamics, from being the youngest, carefree, and playful sibling, to the struggles of constantly being overlooked and now being the ‘breadwinner’ of the household.
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In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Lim, an organisational culture and change lead, and an advocate for intersectional diversity, ethics, and equity and inclusion in the workplace. Michelle shares her personal journey growing up as an Asian Australian, navigating the challenges of feeling ashamed of her identity and trying to fit in, before eventually embracing her heritage with pride.
Michelle also opens up about her unconventional educational path, including homeschooling and pursuing ballet, and the mental health struggles she faced while supporting her family through a difficult health crisis. We explore the importance of cultural literacy, language accessibility, and representation, especially in areas like healthcare and government services, and how these systemic issues can have real impacts on marginalised communities.
Michelle advocates for the need to understand the difference between equality and equity, and the importance of having diversity targets to create more inclusive leadership representation.Disclaimer:
This podcast discusses themes around domestic violence, suicide, self-harm and mental health. We want to ensure that everyone listening feels safe and supported, so please do listen with care. If this podcast might be heavy for you, feel free to skip and join us in our next episode. If you’re in need of support, remember help is always available. Contact lifeline on 13 11 14.
Show Notes Links:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lim1/?originalSubdomain=au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellelim?igsh=MWppYXV2N2NvZTBxOQ== -
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Join us as we dive into the journey of Eigen Ting, co-founder of a Sucre du Jour, a French fine patisserie, as he navigates the challenges of starting a business in a niche market, learning to navigate life after the death of his mother and travelling around the world in the hospitality industry.
In this episode, we explore his experiences, becoming independent at an early age, and the hurdles he faced in the culinary world.
- Starting a bespoke cake business with minimal capital and secondhand equipment.
- The significance of building a community and understanding cultural backgrounds through sweets.
- Overcoming the challenges of finding a location and capital amid COVID-19.
- The impact of family dynamics on career choices and personal growth.
- Insights on working with a partner in the same industry and managing dynamic roles.
Show Note Links:
Sucre du Jour website: https://www.sucredujourofficial.com/online-ordering
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sucre.du.jour?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==
Eigen Ting: https://www.instagram.com/eigenting/ -
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Join us as we share our SURVIVOR GUILT as second-generation migrants grappling with the messy and complex issues around being the ones who ‘made it out’.
In this episode, we explore issues around escaping war, sending money back home, recognising our privilege and sharing our parents’ migration story to preserve what they went through as a way to heal.
Enjoy the episode!
Show Notes Links:
Check Out Our Other Eps: www.levelasianpodcast.com/
Our Merch Store: store.levelasianpodcast.com/ -
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In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we’re joined by Mental Health Advocate, Emily Unity!
Emily shares her powerful story navigating childhood trauma and mental health challenges to become a voice for change. She opens up about how her diagnosis allowed her to make sense of her experiences and understand how to create safe spaces to support others with their journeys.
Emily also discusses how mental health symptoms can present differently for women and men, the need for representation in advocacy work and her framework for opening vulnerable and constructive conversations - as well as the power that holds, especially as Asian Australians, refugees and migrants.
Enjoy the episode!
Disclaimer:
This podcast discusses themes around domestic violence, suicide, self-harm and mental health. We want to ensure that everyone listening feels safe and supported, so please do listen with care. If this podcast might be heavy for you, feel free to skip and join us in our next episode. If you’re in need of support, remember help is always available. Contact lifeline on 13 11 14.
Show Notes Links:
Check Out Our Other Eps: www.levelasianpodcast.com/
Our Merch Store: store.levelasianpodcast.com/
Emily’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyunity/?originalSubdomain=au -
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In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, it’s a family affair, as we’re joined by the brains behind ‘Gong Grocer’ - Sydney’s premiere Asian supermarket!
Brian and Vivian Nguyen, along with their mother Linh, get candid about the rollercoaster of building a business empire with loved ones. We learn about the lineage of grocers in their family, the dos and don'ts for working with relatives and how the generational and cultural differences between them helped shape brand culture.
The Nguyen family also shed light on how they mended their relationship to foster open, honest and healthy child-parent bonds, the importance of setting ego aside to understand those closest to you and the responsibility of passing heritage forward.
Enjoy the episode!
Show Notes Links:
www.gonggrocer.com.au
www.instagram.com/gonggrocer
www.tiktok.com/@gonggrocer -
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In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we share our favourite things about Asian culture! Of course there’s food, the arts and travel, but what are the values and day-to-day nuances that we hold closest to our hearts?
From the language we use to show love and respect, the ‘above and beyond’ hospitality, and frugality shaped by the migrant hustle, there’s so much richness in our cultures beyond the surface. On the flip side, we also address the cultural behaviours we could live without, including old fashioned expectations and WeChat experts (#iykyk).
Davie also narrates a couple of crazy stories from his recent travels, and as with most episodes, we conclude with an unplanned trauma dump.
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In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we’re back by popular demand for another Reddit Reacts! But once the mics turned on, things didn’t go quite to plan… (who’s cutting onions?)
We begin by reacting to stories from the “Not So Subtle Asian Parent Traits” Subreddit; from blurred boundaries, Asian love languages, financial expectations and more! However, what was meant to be a fun episode, quickly turned into group therapy, as a particular post hit a little too close to home.
This opened a vulnerable conversation, where the crew shared their experiences healing from family trauma, forgiving our parents’ mistakes and appreciating the challenges of the migrant journey.
Don’t forget your tissues, you’ll need them for this one!
Disclaimer:
This episode discusses sensitive topics including abuse. Please listen with care and at your own discretion. If you are in need of support, please reach out to Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Show Notes Links:
Check Out Our Other Eps: www.levelasianpodcast.com/
Our Merch Store: store.levelasianpodcast.com/ -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we chat with YouTuber and Influencer Amy Lyons, aka Blondie in China (@blondieinchina).
Amy shares her incredible story - finding a second home in China, without having any Asian ancestry. We chat about her experiences learning the history and culture of a country whilst travelling and working in it, the reception of her content and how foreigner privilege has reshaped her current worldview.
Amy also reveals her hottest food recommendations, favourite travel memories and advice to budding vloggers.
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In this episode of the Level: Asian podcast, we unpack the housing and cost of living crisis.
We begin by sharing how recent increases in rent, interest rates and groceries have impacted us personally and how we’ve changed our spending habits to adjust. The crew also discusses the challenges different generations face when it comes to wealth building, the changing values towards money and outlooks towards work/life balance.
Davie then explains the dire state of housing affordability in Australia, using his favourite thing in the world (spreadsheets).
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by content creator, Tara Chandra, who peels back the curtains of her life as a fashion and lifestyle influencer.
Tara shares how a passion for Tumblr sparked her artistic journey, how she uses fashion to showcase the different parts of her identity and the power of manifesting your wildest dreams. Tara also opens up about how traumatic experiences with chronic eczema gave her the courage to speak out, in hopes of normalising conversations around skin conditions and beauty standards.
She then discusses her values towards ethical and sustainable fashion, learning from iconic pioneers, and the need for representation both in front of, and behind the camera.Enjoy the episode!
Shownote links:
https://www.instagram.com/tarachandra_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tarachandra_
https://www.youtube.com/user/fashionbambini -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we’re joined by actor, performer, speaker, comedian and creative entrepreneur, Diana Nguyen.
Diana shares her incredible journey as a storyteller, from being kicked out of home when she was eighteen and self-funding her first show, to running her own TedTalk and performing at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Diana opens up about how the arts helped her mend family trauma and build bridges where words fail to.
She also unpacks her experiences with Sex Therapy and Spiritual Coaching which unlocked a powerful connection to self, body positivity and healing.
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In this episode of The Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Zhoe Low, Global Manager of ‘July’, a renowned Australian travel brand specialising in luggage and accessories.
Zhoe shares her unconventional path as an early digital nomad, her transition from tech startups to travel products, and how she absorbed ten years of business knowledge into three years while working for July.
Zhoe also opens up about the profound impact of therapy, the mindset that helped overcome her self-limiting beliefs, and advice to Asian women who aspire to hold leadership positions.
Enjoy the episode!
Show Notes Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhoelow/
https://july.com/ -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, the crew deep dive down a Reddit rabbit hole to unpack some of the spiciest takes the internet has to offer.
Tune in as the team debates an Asian edition of #AITA, share their insights on an Asian Parent themed Subreddit and reveal some of their own unhinged experiences.
Comment below - do YOU think they're an a**hole? 👇 -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Natalie Yan-Chatonsky, Founder and CEO of Full Time Lives, a women’s midlife specialist and author of 'The Art of Full Time Living'.
Natalie emphasises the significance of women, particularly those in midlife to prioritise self-care, nurture social connections, and design meaningful next chapters. Her approach aims to generate positive social change to prompt proactive steps towards fostering positive personal growth.
She also talks about supporting her own mother through midlife transitions, her recent ADHD diagnosis, and the strengths that come with neurodiversity.
Show Notes Links:
https://fulltimelives.com
https://fulltimelives.com/art-of-full-time-living
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nat-yc/
https://www.instagram.com/fulltimelives -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Neel Kolhatkar, a comedian, filmmaker, and Youtube sensation, well known for his viral comedy sketches and stand up routines.
Neel talks about his childhood in Sydney, what captivated him into pursuing comedy at a young age, and how he turned his online success into a full-time career.
He also shares his thoughts on navigating PC and cancel culture, emphasising the importance of diversifying his skills and attracting dedicated audiences, and shares encouraging advice for aspiring comedians looking to break into the industry.
Show Notes Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClBzWLRnI_Itn2W5c7J9sYQ
https://www.instagram.com/neelkolhatkar/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@neelkolhatkar?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/Neel.Kolhatkar94/ -
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In this episode of the Level Asian Podcast, we’re joined by the WHOLE L:A team, as we take a moment to appreciate our incredible journey and share some of the remarkable accomplishments and milestones we’ve achieved throughout 2023.
Some of our key achievements include:
🧧 Cabramatta Lunar New Year Merch Stall
🎤 Vinh Giang x Level: Asian Event at the Carter
🦐 A Nostalgic Night with L:A ft. Jason from Canton Kitchen and Junda from Hojiak
🎙️ Panel Appearances at SWEH, HCC, WSU, AAF and SXSW
🎂 Celebrating Level:Asian’s FIRST Birthday
🎥 Releasing 34 Podcast Episodes + 15 Vlogs
🎊 Hitting 70k on Instagram & 50k on TikTok
✈️ Travelling as a team to Adelaide, Melbourne, Singapore and BaliKan takes us through his many major chapters of this year of buying a new house, adopting a new pup, and Hudson’s first birthday. Davie celebrates his marriage and the success of BOXAS - evident in multiple award winnings.Viv and Noel also unpack their travel journeys and MILESTONES in their career development.
We would like to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our journey. Your engagement, support, and enthusiasm fuels our passion and we’re excited to continue growing, learning and achieving together in 2024.
Here's to an even more exciting and successful 2024! Thank you for being a part of the Level: Asian community and Happy New Year!
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Welcome to another fun-filled Christmas episode of The Level: Asian Podcast!
We're thrilled to be joined once again (Round 2!) by OUR FAVOURITE POWER COUPLE behind Ultrafade - Rich and Jenny!
In this episode, Rich and Jenny share their journey expanding Ultrafade to Bankstown, Jenny's transition from pharmacy to joining the biz full-time, and Rich's heartwarming experience giving a talk to disengaged students in his former high school.
We also talk about Rich's aspiration to become a keynote speaker, his advice for the younger generation who wants to join the hairdressing industry, and their exciting plans, including an online academy and the latest tech in scalp treatment!
Enjoy the episode!
Show Note Links:
Ultrafade (Rich):
https://www.instagram.com/ultrafadebyrich/
https://www.ultrafadebyrich.com/Jenny:
https://www.instagram.com/jenvyvo/ -
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In this episode of the Level Asian podcast, we're joined by Dai Le, a Vietnamese-born Australian politician currently serving as the federal member for Fowler and councillor for Fairfield/Cabravale Ward.
Dai shares her harrowing experience of escaping on a boat at age seven during the fall of Saigon, getting stranded at sea multiple times, and ending up in refugee camps for months before being resettled in Australia.
She also talks about the intergenerational trauma of the refugee experience, the challenges Dai's mother faced adjusting to life in Australia, and the painful realisation that gambling had become an unhealthy coping mechanism for many Vietnamese refugees.
Show Notes Links:
https://daile.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/DaiLeMP/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dailemp/
https://www.instagram.com/dai_le/
https://www.youtube.com/@DaiLeTheOfficial - Näytä enemmän
