Episode 53 : Joanne Molinaro, The Korean Vegan : Taking Us Along on Your Journey
Joanne Molinaro, also known as the Korean Vegan, has garnered a lot of attention (and 2 million Tik Tok followers) for her incredible ability to tell beautiful, poignant stories that come directly from her heart.
Episode 52 : Eric Rutherford : Not Just A Handsome Face
Eric Rutherford is a model, actor, activist, and content creator with a career spanning nearly four decades. He currently hosts his own podcast, Not Just Pretty Pictures, which utilizes storytelling to explore different viewpoints and lifestyles.
Episode 51 : Leyna Bloom : Becoming the First : Unplugged
Actress, Model, Dancer, Activist : Leyna Bloom is nothing short of amazing. This year, I was fortunate enough to photograph this trailblazer, who has become the first transgender Black and Asian-American Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model.
Episode 50 : Bethany Heitman : Creating Content that Collaborates : Unplugged
Editorial Director and Content Strategist, Bethany Heitman is a prolific contributor to top publications. Her take on women's issues and commitment to empowering content has made her an in demand voice and strong advocate.
Episode 49 : Thomas Raquel : Breaking Molds : Unplugged
Chef Thomas Raquel is Executive Pastry Chef at Eric Ripert's celebrated, three star Michelin restaurant La Bernadin. He was taught to cook by his Filipino grandmother and worked hard through culinary school before ascending to his esteemed role.
Episode 48 : Kathleen Hou : Get Your Shine : Unplugged
Kathleen Hou is the beauty director of NY Magazine's the Cut and has been featured on NPR, and in numerous publications including Vogue India, Allure, and Conde Nast Traveler. As an Asian American woman, her voice is important to expand the dialogue in the beauty industry.
Episode 47 : Miss J. : A Genuine Expression : Unplugged
My friend J. Alexander, also known as Miss J. has always lived his life with complete authenticity. J and I have had many conversations about race and allyship for the Black community and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Episode 46 : Julianna Margulies : Honesty from an Unexpected Life : Unplugged
Julianna Margulies is an award winning actress best known for roles in ER and The Good Wife, but she has just published a very moving memoir: Sunshine Girl : An Unexpected Life.
Her book is a very candid look at her upbringing in an unconventional home. I'm thrilled to discuss her story.
Episode 45 : Cat Cora : Iron Humanitarian : Unplugged
Cat Cora is a force of nature. The first female winner of Food Network's Iron Chef and the first female inductee into the American Academy of Chef's Hall of fame, she's also an advocate for the LGBTQAI+ community, and a humanitarian founding "Chefs for Humanity".
Episode 44 : Johnny Wujek : Becoming Legendary : Unplugged
Johnny Wujek is a celebrity stylist, costume designer, and creative director renowned for his work with Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Niki Minaj, and Brittney Spears. His work on the HBO show Legendary, spreads the message of the underground phenomenon known as Ballroom Culture.
Episode 43 : Ying Chu : Strategies for Diversity
Ying Chu is the ground breaking beauty director, Creative & Digital Marketing Consultant, Editor, Writer, and Luxury Brand Strategist who made a name for herself with her work with Violet Grey, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, and many other media outlets. In her work she always strives to bring diversity and her perspective as an Asian-American woman.
Episode 42 : Aarti Sequeira : Bringing the Aarti Paarti
Aarti Sequeira is a breath of fresh air in food media, winner of the sixth season of The Next Food Network Star in 2010. Her show Aarti Paarty is a platform to demystify Indian cuisine and share fusion recipes. As a woman of Indian descent with an unassuming attitude toward preparing food, she brings something special to the table and has been a staple on Food Network.
Episode 41 : Kalaya'an Mendoza : Warrior for Community : Unplugged
Kalaya'an Mendoza is an activist, organizer, and strategist in nonviolent direct action, and has spent the twenty years of his life fighting for social justice. I first encountered his work, in an impactful poster that he created, declaring "Asians for Black Lives" in a powerful show of solidarity.
Episode 40 : Chris Do : Designing a Passionate Life
Chris Do is a designer and educator, marketer, director, and CEO and Chief Strategist of the design firm Blind. As an educator, his ambitious mission statement is to teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love.
Episode 39 : Barbara Dumetz : Envisioning Diversity
Barbara Dumetz's pioneering advertising images for the likes of Coca Cola, Delta, and McDonalds brought diversity to the mainstream and embraced inclusion long before it was popular.
Episode 38 : Nicola Formichetti : Discovering the Artist Within
Creative Director Nicola Formichetti, is best known for his work with Diesel, Lady Gaga, Mugler, and Uniqlo, but the Japanese-Italian artist, has worked hard to embrace authenticity and develop his point of view.
Episode 37 : Justin Pichetrungsi : Designing Concepts and Cuisine
Justin Pichetrungsi, is the owner of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks CA, a popular neighborhood favorite opened by his father in 1981. Justin is a concept designer balancing his commercial art career and his family's modern Thai restaurant.
Episode 36 : Olivia Culpo : Giving Back Through Influence
Model and entrepreneur Olivia Culpo graced the 2020 cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, photographed in Bali. Olivia came to fame as winner of the Miss Universe pageant in 2012.
Episode 35 : Roy Choi : Bridging the Food Gap
Chef Roy Choi is a groundbreaking original who broke the mold by creating iconic LA food truck, Kogi, that merged Mexican and Korean flavors and began the gourmet food truck craze. He's also a passionate social activist working in his local community.
Episode 34 : Shirley Chung : Unplugged : Return to Your Roots
Chef Shirley Chung is the chef and owner of the delicious Modern Chinese American restaurant, Ms. Chi's Cafe in Culver City California. A tenacious contestant on Bravo's Top Chef, she competed in Seasons 11 and 14, bringing her take on Chinese cuisine to the forefront.