Yellow Glitter
Dive into the world of fabulous queer Asian creatives and change-makers who are making an impact on #YellowGlitterPodcast. Join us as we chat about topics on queerness, Asian identity, creativity, joy, social activism, and mental health. Hosted by Steven Wakabayashi, founder of Stranger Creative and QTBIPOC Design. Follow us at: @yellowglitterpd on socials and give us your thoughts or guest recommendations at: [email protected]. Full episodes, transcripts, and show notes on our website at: yellowglitterpodcast.com.
info_outline
#49 Mindfullness & Ripple Effects Towards Justice & Equity with Kim
05/01/2024
#49 Mindfullness & Ripple Effects Towards Justice & Equity with Kim
This episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, Kim Thai . She is a community organizer and founder of They are also a mindfulness teacher, writer and an Emmy Award-winning storyteller! Tune in to dive deep into topics of identity, healing, and liberation within oppressive systems. In this episode, we chat about: The ripple effects that either reinforce or work against systems of oppression Kim Thai's mission to help others reclaim their power and freedom in the world. Ancestral practice and the healing power it can bring. The intersection of Buddhist teachings and modern everyday life. The concept of mindfulness in the attention economy. Engaged Buddhism and adapting teachings to address current societal needs. The commitment to transparency and learning from mistakes in the journey towards social justice and equity. You can find our guest at: Substack: Website: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/31064578
info_outline
#48 Nuanced Activism & Standing for Something with Johnathan
04/16/2024
#48 Nuanced Activism & Standing for Something with Johnathan
In this episode, we're joined by Johnathan , a pioneering content creator who began his journey in 2008. His unique perspective as a Black American and Filipino has made him a powerful voice at the intersection of Black and Asian identity. In 2020, he founded the Black and Asian Alliance Network, promoting solidarity between these communities during a time of heightened tension. Check out his podcast series, The Boys Are Black In Town on YouTube. In this episode, we chat about: Video games and diversity Traveling to Japan and what a "sense of belonging" looks like Intersectionality of Black-ness and Asian-ness Nuanced activism and standing for your beliefs Doing the work to help the community Performative activism and virtue signalling You can find our guest at: Youtube: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/30773678
info_outline
#47 Building Queer Asian Spaces & Community with Tai
04/07/2024
#47 Building Queer Asian Spaces & Community with Tai
In this episode, we're joined by Tai, who is a freelance creative director. His hunger for building community ultimately led to the creation of Naarak in August of 2022, and he is now an event organizer in the gay API NYC nightlife scene. In this episode, we chat about: Community resilience and fostering an environment where gay API have an accepting night-life space Coming into queer identity and finding a way to navigate that Intersectionality of queer-ness and Asian-ness as an adoptee The origins of Naarak initially starting with small gatherings and eventually expanding to larger events The difficulties of having open conversations and really listening to one another Challenging API stereotypes and demonstrating the community's willingness to engage and contribute to the city You can find our guest at: Tai Nakladda: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/30599223
info_outline
#46 Social Media and the Future of Queer Visibility with Mike Curato
12/29/2023
#46 Social Media and the Future of Queer Visibility with Mike Curato
This episode, we're joined by Mike Curato, a gay first generation half Filipino-Irish American author and illustrator of books. He has created many picture books for young children, including his debut queer young adult graphic novel, Flamer, and upcoming books centering diverse creators and audiences. In this episode, we chat about: The launch of Flamer and how it was one of the most banned, talked about books of 2023 The difficulties with social media burnout, online bullying, and doomscrolling Strategies to protect our own mental health, energy, and peace Consuming content mindfully and compassionately Defining our own metrics - what impact are things having on us? Latest project highlighting community, diversity, and love Our upcoming projects for 2024 and beyond You can find our guest at: Mike Curato: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/29273763
info_outline
#45 Uplifting Our Chinatowns and API Creatives with Harry Trinh
12/04/2023
#45 Uplifting Our Chinatowns and API Creatives with Harry Trinh
In this episode, we're joined by Harry Trinh, a queer Asian American art director and experiential designer based in NYC, and the Head of Creative of Welcome to Chinatown. In this episode, we chat about: His latest work with Welcome to Chinatown Pivoting from corporate life into his mission-driven work Understanding the value of community-centered work and raising the bottom-line The history of Chinatowns and unlocking our community’s potential through partnership Introducing creative career pathways for API folx Harry’s introduction to creativity and design through his family How queerness is intertwined with liberation You can find our guest at: Harry Trinh: Instagram: Welcome to Chinatown: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/28717268
info_outline
#44 Building the Equitable Future of Work and Entrepreneurship with Susan Liao
11/20/2023
#44 Building the Equitable Future of Work and Entrepreneurship with Susan Liao
In this episode, we're joined by Susan Liao, a product leader and champion of liberatory leadership working at the intersection of digital innovation, social entrepreneurship and non-profit impact strategy. In this episode, we chat about: Her journey into tech and product Navigating her life through agencies and startups Pivoting from the corporate world to impact-driven work Conforming into inequitable systems and role, and shifting away to find her voice Why we adapt as marginalized communities and how to break away from upholding inequitable systems What’s in Susan’s “kitchen sink” The future of work, diversifying the spaces we are a part of, and creating different forms of distributing wealth Challenging existing systems of work, capitalism, and labor The concept of "Space, pace, and grace" - how are we acknowledging rest as part of our work? Honoring the north star of the communities around us Creating more intention behind our beliefs, words, and actions The importance of rest and filling our cup You can find Susan at: LinkedIn: Startups for All: Leaders Like Us: Susan's first startup experience: with About Ecocycles and strategy knotworking Emergent Strategy Petra Vega (She/Her/Ella), Liberatory Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Radical Social Worker and Emergent Strategist Ruha Benjamin Respect The Small You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Visit our website
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/28717083
info_outline
#43 The Value of Identity and Self-Expression with Haruka Aoki
10/04/2023
#43 The Value of Identity and Self-Expression with Haruka Aoki
In this episode, we're joined by Haruka Aoki, a queer Japanese artist and poet-illustrator, who takes us on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. In this episode, we chat about: The challenges of integrating into a new community The impact migration can have on identity and intersectionality The power of manifestation and the importance of collaboration in the creative process The importance of solidarity among marginalized communities Issues of performative activism and establishing genuine allyship Raising the bottom line for our underrepresented and historically marginalized communities Challenges and benefits of social media Haruka’s book tour and upcoming projects You can find Haruka at: Website: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/28039527
info_outline
#42 Collective Change and Community-Centered Design with Lee-Sean Huang
08/14/2023
#42 Collective Change and Community-Centered Design with Lee-Sean Huang
This episode, we’re joined by an extra special guest, Lee-Sean Huang (he/they), a queer first-generation Taiwanese, Cantonese American designer and educator based in New York City and Providence. Lee-Sean Huang is the director of Design Content and learning at AIGA and a co-founder, creative director of Foossa, and teaches design and innovation at Parsons and SVA. This episode, we talk about: Lee-Sean's "midlife crisis" and how he is navigating a new chapter in his life Navigating corporate world and academia with queer & Asian identities His work with the New School and advocating for teachers The role of creativity and design in social impact Dismantling perfectionism, and leaning into imperfection as an invitation for social change The power of community-centered design You can find more information about our guest: @leesean on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Website: Learn more about Yellow Glitter: Instagram: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Website:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/27619299
info_outline
#41 Embracing Imagination and Manifesting Reality with ONCH
07/17/2023
#41 Embracing Imagination and Manifesting Reality with ONCH
In this episode, we’re joined by an extra special guest, ONCH, a multi-talented artist and jewelry designer based in Los Angeles. We chat about: The power of dreaming and creating a vision of our future Using a dream diary to record, capture, and realize everyday dreams ONCH's journey from Taiwan and finding oneself Setting intentions and manifesting reality Upcoming collaborations coming to life from dreams Becoming fearless and dreaming for a brighter future Learn more about ONCH: Website: Instagram: You can follow me at: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/26999247
info_outline
#40 Allyship, Accountability, & Performative Activism with Johnathan Gibbs
06/19/2023
#40 Allyship, Accountability, & Performative Activism with Johnathan Gibbs
This episode, we're joined by our lovely returning guest, Jonathan Gibbs, creator of the Black and Asian Alliance Network, a proud, gay, Black and Filipino American filmmaker, storyteller, podcaster, and gamer based in Brooklyn, NY. In this episode, we chat about: The importance of solidarity among marginalized communities Issues of performative activism and establishing genuine allyship Holding individuals and corporations accountable and enacting change The need for representation and visibility in media and entertainment for our communities Raising the bottom line for our underrepresented and historically marginalized communities Challenges and benefits of social media You can find Johnathan Gibbs at: Instagram: Twitter: Youtube: You can follow me at: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/26999079
info_outline
#39 Inclusive Healthcare & Showing Up for Our Communities with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino
05/31/2023
#39 Inclusive Healthcare & Showing Up for Our Communities with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino
In this episode, we’re joined by an extra special guest, Dr. Jonathan Tolentino, Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Miami. We chat about intersectional healthcare and the importance of understanding our history, legislation, and evolving healthcare to show up for our historically marginalized communities & youth. We chat about: The importance of recognizing the intersectionality of gender, race, and sexuality in healthcare. The future of our ever-evolving medical field. Our stories of acceptance and fitting in and the growing visibility of queer identities around the world. Discriminatory laws and their impact on our historically marginalized communities, especially our youth. The importance of showing up and holding our legislators accountable You can more of JT at: Instagram: You can follow me at: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/26998896
info_outline
#38 The Transformative Power of Community & Joy with Kim Thai
04/24/2023
#38 The Transformative Power of Community & Joy with Kim Thai
In this episode, we’re joined by a returning friend, Kim Thai, a queer Vietnamese writer, Emmy-award winning producer, social justice advocate, and mindfulness teacher based in New York. We chat about community building, cultivating joy, and her latest work with Ganeshspace, a mindfulness organization that creates healing spaces for historically excluded communities and social justice education for all. In this episode we talk about: Community healing and the importance of centering joy and liberation in our equity-centered work Reclaiming queerness and honoring indigenous practices Surrounding ourselves with people who uplift and nourish us Prioritizing happiness leading to ultimate self-care and joy You can more of Kim at: Instagram: Instagram: You can follow me at: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/26639127
info_outline
#37 Finding belonging at the intersection of art & activism with Haruka Aoki
12/13/2022
#37 Finding belonging at the intersection of art & activism with Haruka Aoki
This episode we're joined by an extra special guest, Haruka Aoki. Haruka (she/they) is a queer Japanese artist, author and illustrator of children’s books based in Queens, New York City. Their narrative artwork, which has appeared in New York Times and the Washington Post, aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand drawn characters engaged with the world around them growing up. In this episode we talk about: Haruka’s pivot from corporate life to exploring art Mental health in today’s workplace Their background and family experience growing up Haruka dives into their world of illustration and the inspiration behind their characters Exploring their latest book, Fitting In () You can find Haruka at: Website: Instagram: You can follow me at: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/25316580
info_outline
#36 Fire Island and the gay white gaze with Johnathan Gibbs
07/14/2022
#36 Fire Island and the gay white gaze with Johnathan Gibbs
In this episode, we are joined by a special returning guest, Johnathan Gibbs, to talk about the latest gay movie Fire Island, and also reflect on the harmful impact of the gay white gaze on our queer Asian communities. In this episode we talk about: Reflect on Fire Island movie’s representation of queer Asian perspectives and stories The gay white gaze and discussing the harmful impact of these narratives How to catch ourselves when we are co-opting into systems of power and oppression Forgiving ourselves in the process and healing our inner selves Finding refuge and community with more diversity around us References: You can find Johnathan Gibbs at: Instagram: Twitter: Youtube: You can follow me at: Instagram: Twitter: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/23742122
info_outline
#35 Journey into the world of design and creating inclusive toys with Linda Jiang
06/07/2022
#35 Journey into the world of design and creating inclusive toys with Linda Jiang
Excited to be joined by Linda Jiang, a toy designer living in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, we delve into the world of the doll industry and the representation of gender-inclusive doll design. Linda Jiang (she/they) is a toy designer living in Los Angeles, California; unceded Tongva land. Linda’s work centers around designing inclusive toys to create social change through play. They designed the recent Barbie Inspiring Women doll, specifically the doll for Ida B Wells, and led the design for Creatable World, a gender-inclusive fashion doll line. When they're not designing, Linda enjoys building community with her friends, reading mystery novels, and learning fashion history through vintage clothing. In this episode we talk about: Linda’s background and story of entering the world of design A day in the life of designing in the doll industry Queer BIPOC people in creative industries Gender-inclusive doll designs You can find Linda at: Website: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/23353577
info_outline
#34 Chasing perfection: body image, PEDs, and social media with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
02/01/2022
#34 Chasing perfection: body image, PEDs, and social media with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
We’re joined by Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino) once again to talk about our society’s obsession with the perfect physique. We chat about body and muscle dysmorphia, PEDs, the impact of social media, and how this ultimately impacts both our queer and Asian communities. Dr. JT is the Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Miami. In this episode we talk about: The state of COVID and the recent surge Social media effects on our bodies and body image Body and muscle dysmorphia within the queer & Asian communities The slippery slope of dating apps - the effects that filters can have on our experience The dark side of performance-enhancing drugs 2022 Resolutions and how are you recharging yourself this new year? You can find JT at: Instagram: You can follow me at: Instagram: YouTube: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter:
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/21976877
info_outline
#33 State of COVID & healing our queer Asian identities with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
11/07/2021
#33 State of COVID & healing our queer Asian identities with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
Another beautiful episode chatting about COVID, our mental health, and our future. We're joined by an extra special guest Dr. JT, Jonathan Tolentino, who is the Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Miami.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/21079352
info_outline
#32 Rainbow-washing and performative allyship of pride
06/24/2021
#32 Rainbow-washing and performative allyship of pride
This week, we're joined by our favorite Derek Tran once again to chat about the state of COVID, rainbow-washing, performative allyship, and showing up authentically.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/19597181
info_outline
#31 Activism & Asian culture: showing up & calling in our community with Derek Tran
06/14/2021
#31 Activism & Asian culture: showing up & calling in our community with Derek Tran
Another wonderful episode with our lovely guest Derek Tran, to talk about issues surrounding activism, current-day events, and the Asian culture.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/19476767
info_outline
#30 Stop Asian Hate and addressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes with Derek Tran
04/09/2021
#30 Stop Asian Hate and addressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes with Derek Tran
Derek Tran and I chat about the rising anti-Asian hate crimes and what we can do to keep ourselves safe and sane during this time.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/18670811
info_outline
#29 Leading by example: compassion and mindfulness with Kim Thai
01/24/2021
#29 Leading by example: compassion and mindfulness with Kim Thai
This episode, I’m joined by Kim Thai, founder of ganeshspace, an organization dedicated to making mindfulness a more equitable space. We chat about the current politics of America, how we can show up with compassion in activism, understanding ourselves before helping others, and her journey of finding her queer identity after marriage. Enjoy!
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/17662334
info_outline
#28 Storytelling and the richness of our Asian history with Randy Kim
01/12/2021
#28 Storytelling and the richness of our Asian history with Randy Kim
On this episode of Yellow Glitter, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a queer, second-generation Viet-Khmer American from Chicagoland and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles, highlighting uplifting important Asian voices. We chat about the Asian diaspora, how to heal the trauma of our parents, coming out, the importance of storytelling history of Asian culture, creating inclusive spaces, and why the slogan “representation matters” needs updating.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/17500433
info_outline
#27 A graphic tale of honesty, darkness, truth and love with Mike Curato
11/24/2020
#27 A graphic tale of honesty, darkness, truth and love with Mike Curato
In this episode, we are joined by Mike Curato, a queer Asian author and illustrator, to talk about his latest graphic novel, Flamer, inspired by his own personal life story. We cover a lot of topics including, mental health, bullying, suicide, and the wave of intolerance plaguing our country, and also looking ahead at how we can all do better.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/16944503
info_outline
#26 Paving ways & coming out in the world of hockey with Jon Lee-Olsen
10/30/2020
#26 Paving ways & coming out in the world of hockey with Jon Lee-Olsen
In this episode, we are joined by Jon Lee-Olsen, a professional ice-hockey player who made headlines as the first openly out player in Europe and third in the world. We talk about his experience coming out nationally, managing relationships alongside a sports career, and his experiences as a transracial adoptee.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/16619498
info_outline
#25 Moving mountains and the importance of visibility with Rain Valdez
09/18/2020
#25 Moving mountains and the importance of visibility with Rain Valdez
In this episode, we are joined by Rain Valdez to talk about her journey from the Philippines and Guam to the Emmy-nominated actress and producer she is today. We talk about her Emmy-nominated show, Razor Tongue, as well as her recent work on Disclosure highlighting the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. We have a beautiful conversation with Rain about trans talent and the importance of visibility and stories in media.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/15902345
info_outline
#24 Discovering our voice & living our unapologetic truth with Amazin Lêthi
07/30/2020
#24 Discovering our voice & living our unapologetic truth with Amazin Lêthi
In this episode, we are joined by Amazin LeThi, LGBTQ+ sports ambassador, former competitive bodybuilder, entertainment executive, and fitness author to chat about current events and her life journey. We talk about trans-racial issues, equity and representation in media, and body positivity, homelessness in our queer community, and so much more.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/15411461
info_outline
#23 Representation and equity in media with Ian Alexander & Vivien Ngô
06/15/2020
#23 Representation and equity in media with Ian Alexander & Vivien Ngô
I am joined by none other than Ian Alexander (Buck Vu of The OA) and Vivien Ngô (Trinh Phan of Queen Sugar) to talk about what it’s like being gaysian in the entertainment industry, their humble beginnings as children of Asian immigrants, and their latest thriller, Daughter. They share some mindful advice on how to create a more equitable workspace for queer actors and having more diverse representation for cast and crew.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/14813537
info_outline
#22 Activism, direct action, and expressing solidarity with Kalaya’an Mendoza
06/06/2020
#22 Activism, direct action, and expressing solidarity with Kalaya’an Mendoza
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kalaya’an Mendoza, a nonviolent direct action trainer and disaster preparedness expert, to talk about the current climate and advice for those who headed out to protest in the streets. We chat about how we can show solidarity with Black folx and addressing racism within our Asian community.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/14722808
info_outline
#21 Combating racism towards Asians amidst COVID-19 with Derek Tran
04/28/2020
#21 Combating racism towards Asians amidst COVID-19 with Derek Tran
With the novel coronavirus spreading all around the world, so has intolerant attitudes towards Asians. Hate crimes have increased to unsettling amounts and it seems to get worse with each passing day. I am joined in this conversation with our returning guest Derek Tran to unpack the racism towards Asians and offer some advice on how to navigate it.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/14174882
info_outline
#20 Managing Change During Turbulent Times with Ning Zhou and Marti G Cummings
04/09/2020
#20 Managing Change During Turbulent Times with Ning Zhou and Marti G Cummings
We are living in an unprecedented era with many of us confined in our own homes, facing uncertainty around COVID-19, and experiencing sudden changes in employment. Join us for a session as we have a chat on staying physically and mentally healthy amidst COVID-19, establishing mindfulness to stay present and peaceful, understanding trauma responses during difficult times, and managing sudden shifts in employment.
/episode/index/show/yellowglitter/id/13916822