The 2 Khmerican Sisters Podcast
We are your co-hosts, Mellissa & Jasmine!
36 | Make Your Life Greener for Our Planet
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Huge thanks to Juni Essentials for sponsoring this episode. Get your eco-friendly, bamboo brush today at: https://juniessentials.com
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While climate change is irreversible, we still have the responsibility to take care of our planet so that we and future generations can live healthier, safer, and happier. What are some simple steps we can take to live a “greener” life? From sharing stories of experiencing culture shocks in Costa Rica to the odd but resourceful things our refugee parents made us do as kids, this informational bonus episode will encourage you to re-evaluate your lifestyle routines and habits to reduce your ecological footprint.
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35 | You are More than Your Stereotype with Darrell L. Nelson II
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Learn more about Darrell Nelson:
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In celebration of Black History Month, Darrell Nelson II, a Data Scientist from L.A., who identifies as African American & ADOS, shares his story and upbringing. Darrell talks about his personal experiences of facing racial discrimination and stereotypes and its impacts on him and his Black peers. He also gives helpful career tips on how to negotiate for the salary you deserve and get promotions. Darrell's grateful for his mom for instilling positive values and all of her sacrifices to provide him with a good education that have helped him achieve a strong sense of identity throughout his life.
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34 | Social Justice at Home & Abroad with Mandy Kwan
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Learn more about Mandy Kwan:
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Mandy Kwan is a proud 1st generation college graduate, who enjoys languages, travel and learning about other cultures. Mandy has always been a huge advocate for multiculturalism and empowering the BIPoC youth and community as a whole. We chat with her about living in a diverse neighborhood, experiencing the workforce as a professional of color, racism while traveling, and finding ways to plant our seeds to make this world a better place.
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33 | Staying Connected While Apart with David & Shawn
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The 2 brothers, David and Shawn, who are from Arizona, have had a very close relationship growing up. It was deeply painful for them and their family when Shawn had learned of his deportation order to Cambodia. Shawn is the oldest brother and has spent a majority of his life growing up the states. He is one of the thousands of other similar stories on how the U.S. deportation policies have stripped the lives of so many families. Shawn explains the culture shocks of living in Cambodia as an American, the realities of what Cambodians deportees face, and how he is staying connected with his family although they are countries apart. |
32 | Six Biggest Life Lessons from Podcasting *BONUS*
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Mellissa shares 6 biggest life lessons from podcasting:
1) Taking Risks & Having Courage 2) Leveraging Creativity 3) Letting Go of Perfection 4) Listening & Empathizing 5) Speaking Consciously 6) Giving Back. As a podcaster, she has become a better and more well-rounded leader. |
31 | Code Switching as Women of Color
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Code switching is an essential skill, especially as a PoC. As 2 females who come from a multicultural background, we talk, act and carry ourselves differently when we speak with our family vs. friends vs. colleagues. Our conversation touches on what it's like to alternate between our codes to become more adaptable, approachable, and accepted in various social settings, including the workforce. There are many strengths and challenges that come with code switching, and we discuss how we can balance being ourselves in these different spaces that we are in.
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30 | Spreading Joy through Happy Balloon Decorations
with Peter Chum & Tony Vo
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Learn more about Peter Chum & Tony Vo:
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Peter and Tony started their Southeast Queer Owned start-up business, Happy Balloon Decorations, to bring joy through custom balloon arrangements for any special events across the Greater Puget Sound area. In this episode, we got the chance to get to know the Khmer American & Vietnamese Queer Co-Owners, who are business and life partners. We discussed what inspired them to start their small PoC business, some of the challenges they’ve experienced as new business owners while juggling full-time jobs and graduate school, the importance of having a supportive family and being a positive role model to the younger generation.
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29 | SE Asian Women in Sports with Khmerican Student Athlete, Jasmine Kong
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Learn more about Jasmine Kong:
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Jasmine Kong is a Student Athlete at Westcliff University, who values family, giving back and staying humble. As a child, Jasmine turned to sports to get away from the bad environment at home. She was practically raised by her late grandma (Ma Yey) who helped her stay connected to her Cambodian roots. Jasmine, one of the few Khmer American Student Athletes, talks about the importance of representation as well as recognizing her family, mentors, and coaches who have all played an integral role in her life.
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28 | Building the Bridge Between Khmer Americans & Khmers with Neng Om
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Neng Om is a 1st Generation Khmer American who immigrated from Cambodia to the U.S. at 11 years old. Neng is deeply passionate about advocating for human rights and upholding the traditional Cambodian culture as well as remembering the history of the Golden age of Cambodia, the Angkor period. She is a single mother with two young kids, who has had to overcome many struggles, including bullying and adjusting to a new life as an outsider. Neng is truly an inspiration and has many deep insights to share such as finding meaning in life and the importance of giving back.
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27 | Ma’s Cambodian Refugee Story: Coming to the USA
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Our Ma recounts her experiences of coming to the USA for the first time after fleeing the Khmer Rouge Regime and leaving the Thai refugee camp, Khao I Dang. She shares what it was like starting high school immediately, meeting our Ba at one of the blueberry fields in Oregon, and learning to survive and navigate a new life in a new country that she barely knew with limited resources and support. This is one of the many revealing stories that highlight the challenges and realities of an immigrant's life. Many immigrants do not have a chance to rest and heal from their trauma and are typically placed in poor urban communities with inadequate financial and mental-health support.
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