You know you were a true "early adopter" when you were blogging before most people could imitate the grating screech of dial-up internet!  Jocelyn Wang (more commonly known online as Joz Joz Joz) was blogging about her personal life when the internet was not yet littered with people who were comfortable sharing photos of what they ate for dinner last night. There was life before Facebook! 

In this podcast we talk about missing out on a Taiwanese-American rite of passage, "The Love Boat," and how her an overdramatic post about the big sty in her eye could get ANY traction online.  Also, we discuss what it means to get comfortable with having an online persona including making the decision to write about a very personal loss in the family.  I mean...she even made national news because her likeness was used in some racist camera craziness!  (Yeah. Cameras can be racist too?)

There's also tons of nuts and bolts discussions about what it means to be a blogger or even attempt to make a living from producing content on a blog platform versus other formats.  We learn all about how Joz was flexing her online journalistic presence through her collaborative Asian American issues blog, 8Asians.com. 

Though this interview was recorded last year, let's all congratulate her for becoming the new Asian American Journalists Association - Los Angeles chapter President, National Advisory Board Representative!

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 9 of The CreativeLife podcast features the talented work of independent artist Giana Nguyen.

Giana Nguyen - Singer/Songwriter

FROM Giana's Website:

“Her voice is strong and smoky, with range that could easily win votes on American Idol…That spirit of longing and perseverance can be heard in her self-released debut album, “For Now.”" - David Whiting, Front Page Columnist/Editor at Large, The Orange County Register

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

What’s behind the stunner shades and shiny earring? I turn the mic on Steve Nguyen, and attempt to uncover the man, the myth, the mystery that is Steve Nguyen of Stickblade Productions and channelAPA.com.

He puts all hyphenated artists to shame with his multi-project multi-tasking. I peel back the layers like an onion of truth until we’re both in tears of conversational joy. (yeah. i said that.) We cover some serious ground in intimate conversation with one microphone on my lounge couch in Highland Park. One 7up and an hour and a half later we finally get some details. Who knew he became legend at UC Riverside with his theatrical, masked “flash-pranks” during lecture classes?

And, hold on!  Did you know he once appeared as an Asian student character on "The Man Show" with Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel? Not his proudest moment, but highly educational.

Some things you're gonna learn: how important building community is for Steve, Steve's vision for providing the ultimate platform for talented Asian Americans in media and entertainment, what he did behind the scenes in one of the "Fast and Furious" movie productions, and the inspiration behind his latest passion project, the animated short film about a survivor of the atom bomb in Japan called "Hibakusha."

We give a shout-out to professional photographer Tommy Su of Snapit Studios (http://snapitstudio.com/) because we got some GOOOOD cafe food in Monterey Park together with Steve after the interview.  Mm. Mm!

With socially awkward comes different and innovative. - Steve Nguyen

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 8 of The CreativeLife podcast features the talented work of independent artists Anna Su ("Oh My Stars" and "Howling Tree" from "Howling Tree" 2010) and Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun ("Baby Please").  Be sure to catch Andrew and support him when he competes at the November 5th, Kollaboration concert in Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre!

FROM ANNA SU'S WEBSITE:

Los Angeles-based musician, Anna Su, explores music as community property, drawing influences from the sounds of her travels and experiences. Through haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, mixed with the floor-stomping pulse of her eclectic band, Anna Su's songs bring players and listeners together to celebrate the simple joys of making music.

Debut album, "Howling Tree" now available on iTunes and Bandcamp

Produced by Nate Vaughan, Mixed by Al FlemingMastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters, Recorded at Bronson House, Runaway Sound & Hollywood Sound Systems, Drums engineered by Meredith Jung, Artwork by Molly Burgess. All songs by Anna Su except "Over Ourselves" by Anna Su and John Isaac Watters & "City Ain't That Much Fun by Anna Su and Rachel Vaughan.Featuring: Al Fleming, Will Gramling, Kris Karlsson, George Krikes, Mike Lindsay, Niccolo Menichini, Alex Rhodes, Gavin Salmon, Brian Song, Dave Torstenson, Nate Vaughan, Rachel Vaughan & Dave Wilson

FROM ANDREW'S WEBSITE:

Andrew Figueroa Chiang is every bit an entertainer. A sweet-voiced songwriter with a genuine love of performing, Andrew has the unique ability to transform any space into a joyful one. His disarming charm, off-the-cuff comedy, and heartfelt delivery make his shows both moving and fun.

This year, Andrew released his first EP! The self-titled, acoustic record is full of earnest performances, energetic arrangements, and big harmonies.

Andrew is currently playing solo and with his rock and roll band – the Blazing Rays of the Sun. He thinks it would be very nice to meet you.

LINKS:

• Steve as "The Chinese Kid" on "The Man Show"
• The Hibakusha Kickstarter fundraising page
• channelapa.com - Steve's website featuring Asian American entertainment
• Steve Nguyen FlipHD with memoirist Lac Su
• Steve as Superman in UC Riverside class prank

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

Former Fox Broadcasting Executive, television producer and Asian American arts community leader Quan Phung hasn't grown up simply translating between his Vietnamese heritage and American culture, but also bridging creative and business cultures in network television.

Jenny and Quan had a lot to discuss. They were both Coro Fellows in Public Affairs in Los Angeles.  Then Quan decided that producing was his passion rather than the business of politics and policy.  He is now Head of Television for Stuber productions and Executive Producer of a hot new NBC prime-time comedy, "Whitney." ("Whitney" Thursdays, 9:30PM PST on NBC)

How does one journey from working in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice to developing Emmy-award winning series like "How I Met Your Mother" and "My Name Is Earl for Twentieth Century Fox Television"?

We also sourced questions from Quan's friends at youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com, fellow Visual Communications Board member Phil Yu of angryasianman.com, and Jenny's colleagues - actors Daegan Palermo and Ben Whitehair, writer Brian Kane, screenwriter Jonathan Peters and television writer Josh Kamensky (Well, look at that! A veritable hit parade of Asian American blogging superstars and white guys with thoughtful questions).

Find out what a producer actually does for a show, how you get a job as a writer, the virtues of a multi-camera show, when executives decide to work with a comedic talent to develop a show, and whether Quan wears boxers or briefs (Just for the record, that last question? Not mine).

I don't think that I put out that that I'm the Asian American male voice.  No. I'm also the immigrant voice.  I'm also the oldest son's voice.  I'm also the San Diego-raised voice.  So there's a lot of different things that I hopefully bring to the table besides just being an Asian American man.  Because I think that's not acknowledging the diversity of what people are.

- Quan Phung, The CreativeLife podcast with Jenny Yang, Episode 7

The short pilot episode audio clip of NBC's "Whitney" featured in this podcast was used courtesy of NBC. 

Podcast Relaunch Summary:

• The CreativeLife Lessons™: Key Advice for CreativesWe’ll focus on key practical tips creative entrepreneurs need.  Topics will include things like managing your self-employment finances, getting past creative blocks, networking and building community around your creative endeavors,
• The CreativeLife DIYMFA™: Jenny’s Own CreativeLife Curriculum in Each EpisodeI’ll be laying out my OWN CreativeLife with the skills and experiences I’d like to have.  You’ll see my own Do-It-Yourself curriculum for my self-structured “Masters of Fine Arts,” or my DIYMFA, if you will.  You will see MY growth and perhaps you too will want to make your own DIYMFA.  Or perhaps you would like to help me in my process.
• The CreativeLife StudyGuides™: Quickie Summaries of the Best Books & Resources for Living the CreativeLife!I’m obsessed with self-help, creativity and personal development books.  Are you?  Probably not.  BUT you may want a quick way to get the key lessons from great books like  Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” and other classics in creativity.  I’ve amassed quite a little library of these books and want to share MY key learnings with you.  Be ready for free downloadable PDF summaries of these creativity and self-help treasures.
• More Awesome Guests!We will STILL have fun, experienced and interesting creative guests.  Each conversation will be balanced with the kind of exploration and meandering that I love AND the focused discussions around The CreativeLife Lessons™, The CreativeLifeDIYMFA™, and The CreativeLife StudyGuides™.

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at top right hand corner at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

Episode 7 of The CreativeLife podcast features the powerhouse voices and beautiful music of independent artists Alice Tong ("Sayin' Hi" and "Capitalist Junkie" from "please be brave before the lions they come") and Sue Jin ("Cant' Help Falling In Love" cover).

FROM ALICE TONG'S WEBSITE:

Alice Tong is singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist living in Oakland, CA. Her piano, guitar, ukelele, and harmonica playing are influenced by indie folk rock, jazz, and alt country, while her rich vocals are inspired by jazz, soul, and blues.

Her album of all-original songs entitled, "please be brave before the lions they come" was recorded in Los Angeles with a host of extremely talented musicians and producer/engineer Glenn Suravech (worked with Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Jackson Browne, Brett Dennen, Wallflowers, etc.). 

FROM SUE JIN'S WEBSITE:

Sue Jin is a soulful singer/songwriter from Los Angeles, an Associate Artist for Tuesday Night Cafe, and K-12 educator, who has performed on both television and radio.

Her album, "Worth the Tears" (2008) is available for review/purchase on iTunes.Her sophomore album, "Worthy" is scheduled to be released November, 2011. 

LINKS:

• The CreativeLife blog about Whitney's Live Studio Audience Taping Experience
• Swimming with Sharks (1994) - movie about working in the entertainment industry written and directed by George Huang
• Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs - leadership training program
• Quan Phung LinkedIn public profile
• Definition of "Stunt Casting"

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

What does it really take to make the practice of art-making into a way of life?  Ann Chiu has some answers, and it involves LOTS of glitter.

At least that's what she said off-microphone recently about her latest obsession.

Ann, or A'misa her artistic alter ego, credits Enid from the graphic novel Ghost World as the high school role model that launched her evolution into an art-committed life. One session of blue hair dye and combat boot purchase later, Ann officially staked her claim on an independent high school identity.  Who knew that deep down inside this Japanese American, South Bay Los Angeles native was really a young angsty jewish girl?

Ann and Jenny share a few things in common.  They both went to North High School in Torrance and were "really" into Student Council.  They take a walk down memory lane, and discuss how their high school experiences shaped both their Asian American and creative identities.

Jenny attempts to uncover how exactly one grows from deep suburban Asian American roots to become a yarn-bombing, collage-crafting, daily-writing zine publisher who cites Yuri Kochiyama and the Black Power movement as key influences.

They talk zine culture, finding community through coffee, blogging and self-publishing, how to fit all that art into a single week and the grand master plan to culturally reconquer the South Bay into the vibrant Asian American/multiracial art scene that it always wanted to be.

Episode 6 Community Sponsor: Eyeball Burp is a tightly-edited dose of art and creativity, lovingly handcrafted by the wife and husband team of Ann "A'misa" Chiu and Alex Chiu. From their website:

Founded in 2008, by artists a'misa & alex chiu, Eyeball Burp is a cultural outlet that features the nooks and crannies of the art world.

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

MUSIC:

This episode features the music of Serengeti and Hi-Fidel's rap/electronica/pop collaboration Friday Night (breakfast records). Songs featured include Float from theirSaturday Night album (2010), and Again and Again, Str8 2 Voicemail, and Down on the Corner off their self-titled debut album (2008).

LINKS:

• A'misa and Alex Chiu's Eyeball Burp zine and blog
• A'misa's art and blog: Colorish Dreams
• blacklava.net - another South Bay Asian American resource/further evidence of awesome creative reconquering of the South Bay.
• Ghost World  (the movie | the graphic novel)
• Yuri Kochiyama - human rights activist and Nisei Japanese American
• Warren Furutani - California State Assembly Representative (55th District)

And when you’re done listening to it…leave a comment at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about the creative process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!?

According to May Lee-Yang, breasts ruined her life.  She also insists that she would be a horrible porn star.  May has flown in from Minnesota to explain herself through the solo show, Ten Reasons Why I'd Be A Bad Porn Star.

There will be two performances of the show this week during the Third Annual National Asian American Theater Festival in Los Angeles.  It's not everyday you get a Hmong-American writer, playwright and community activist from the Twin Cities to take you into her quasi-autobiographical world of sexuality, toys, and obsession of British period romances.  And apparently, there are parallels between the porn hustle and the artistic hustle.

During this candid conversation from the aspiring romance novel writer, we come to an "It's weird that I'm telling you this right now" moment.  We get politically incorrect and talk about what it takes to write more honestly, why the Midwest is coming up, and how the Chinese just can't avoid having a superiority complex (Jenny shrugs). Oh. And Jenny's Mom makes an unexpected cameo.

Episode 5 Community Sponsor: The 3rd National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival. Check out all the amazing shows this week and celebrate the National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival in Los Angeles from June 16-26, 2011. The event will be presented by the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) and hosted by Asian American Theaters East West Players and TeAda Productions, both residing in Los Angeles.  The theme for this year’s joint conference and festival is NEW DIRECTIONS citing transitional shifts in theater at all levels and an emerging generation of voices rising in the Asian American community.

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

LINKS:

• March 2011 Asian American Press article about May Lee-Yang
• May Lee-Yang's Wikipedia page, including her numerous awards and fellowships
• May's interview with University of Minnesota re: writing
• The Hmong Arts Connection - May is their Executive Director
• Burlee Vang - Hmong American Poet
• Fundraising Tool: Kickstarter.com
• Fundraising Tool: United States Artists

And when you’re done listening to it…holler at your girl HERE, at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn’t thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about May and her process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!? (argh)

It's not often you see television closeups of people moved to tears at the sound of a voice, but that was exactly what happened when Ryan Andreas took the stage.  Ryan has had one heck of a ride.   15.6 million people watched him perform his music to a mesmerized panel of judges on NBC's reality talent competition, America's Got Talent just two weeks ago..

Since then, the once reclusive musician's fan base has sky-rocketed.  Over 400,000 combined views of YouTube videos of his performance on the season premiere show (Correction: Previously stated 40,000).  Over 2,300 Facebook fans, radio station interviews and shows as far flung as Alaska (And apparently Egypt is not immune to "Ryan Fever"). Whether he faces victory or defeat as the show heads to Las Vegas for the next round of judgement, Ryan maintains that "the artist shall remain," especially with the support of his growing fanbase.

With only one unforgettable television appearance, thousands of fan have been eager to learn more about Ryan Andreas.  This podcast is your chance to hang out with Ryan in his home studio. Jenny sat down one-on-one with the musician of Dutch Indonesian heritage at his home near Ontario, California. They talk about the first time he knew he could sing, his struggles with drugs and depression, and how his music and the love of his girlfriend and caring friends has brought him the happiness he always wanted.  And you'll learn the artists that Ryan would want on his "ultimate playlist." (Shhh.  Don't tell anyone, but Clapton, Hendrix, and Springsteen are involved...)

Ryan gives shoutouts to his top fans.  You'll also hear, for the first time, the full version of "In the Arms of the Angel" performed LIVE on the podcast, and a bonus cover of "Devils and Dust" by Bruce Springsteen with Ryan on guitar.

RYAN QUOTES FROM THE PODCAST:

"It's so motivating.  What I hoped for as a kid was to be accepted by everybody and now it is coming in volumes.  It's very touching." on gaining confidence and inspiration from fan feedback.

"It's mind-blowing!  You saw my bedroom and you're in Croatia?!" on fans worldwide, viewing his self-produced videos.

Recorded in Ryan's bedroom/home studio, June 12, 2011.

Episode 4 Community Sponsor: The Ryan Andreas Facebook fan site.  Find all things #RyanFever, #Ryanation, and Ryan Andreas athttp://www.facebook.com/ryanandreasfans

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

LINKS:* Ryan's Youtube Channel* Ryan's Performance on the Show

MUSIC: This episode features Ryan Andreas on keyboard, guitar and vocals performing cover songs.

And when you're done listening to it...holler at your girl HERE, at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn't thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about Ryan and his process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!? (argh)

What's brown, smart and has sassy written all over it?  After three years of nationally touring her critically-acclaimed solo "tragicomedy" show I Heart Hamas, Jennifer Jajeh is ready to put that confidence right in your face, Los Angeles.

Palestinian-American Jennifer Jajeh has just moved to to Tinseltown and is cooking up her creative plans. A little bit of commercial acting?  A dash of writing?  Maybe a sprig of producing.  No matter the results, this UCLA alum is committed to finding a path that will honor her unique perspective and pay the bills.  We talk about how success might draw the occasional death threat, how there's really "no logic" in a career in the arts, and why she's ready to be the next smart-ass, politically incorrect, browner-than-Oprah Oprah.

If I, a living witness, one who experienced those times, don't speak about them, then others who did not experience or witness those times will invent their own version of them. - Anatoly Rybakov

Recorded in Jennifer's living room, May 17, 2011.  

Episode 3 Community Sponsor: Say Something Funny, B*tch! founded by Alisha Gaddis.  Be sure to check out the SSFB comedy show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival Friday, June 10th, 2011 at 10:30PM (Theatre Asylum 6320 Santa Monica Blvd, LA, CA)

If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

LINKS:* The Creativity Book: a year's worth of inspiration and guidance by Eric Maisel* W. Kamau Bell: comic, solo performer, and director of I Heart Hamas* Tanzila "Taz" Ahmed and SepiaMutiny blog*  IndieGoGo: independent fundraising tool* In Bed with Jen Jajeh* I Heart Hamas at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

MUSIC: This episode also features the lovely sounds of Sarah Negahdari (The CreativeLife podcast episode 1) and her band, The Happy Hollows. "High Wire", "Tambourine", and "Turtle and Hare" from Spells, released 2010 from Autumn Tone Records.

And when you're done listening to it...holler at your girl HERE, at the end of this post, or on iTunes.  Send me your feedback and comments!  What did you like about the interview? What did you learn that you hadn't thought about before?  What was something that you wanted to learn more about Jennifer and her process?  What question were you DYING for me to ask but I never did!? (argh)

Recorded in Emily's Los Angeles kitchen, May 17, 2011.  The community sponsor for this episode is Tuesday Night Project and Tuesday Night Cafe. You can find up-and-coming and established Asian American artists every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles at this free multi-disciplinary show (or streaming LIVE online at http://www.tuesdaynightproject.org/). If you liked what you heard, please comment in iTunes AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.

This episode also features the lovely sounds of Monk Turner and Monk Turner+Fascinoma.

"MJ's Grave" from Coordinates, released 23 February 2010 MJ's Grave Words and Music by Beniamino 'monk' Turner Monk: Programing Ben Altec: Vocals Chris Warrior: Vocals Sherdale 'Sip' Smith: Vocals Lauren Rasmussen: Vocals Jack Sogo: Announcer Recorded at Sogo Studios (Little Tokyo, CA USA), Venice Boardwalk(Venice, CA USA), Lalai Dama Music Studio(Sherman Oaks, CA USA), Warrior Productions(Baldwin Hills, CA USA) and Sip Studios (South Central LA, CA USA)

"Start Again" from Emergency Songs, released 01 March 2011Words and Music by B.A. Monk Turner, Alanna Lin, and Chad BloomTony Austin: Drums Chad Bloom: Piano, Programming The Emergency Choir: Vocals, Clapping Alanna Lin: Vocals Monk Turner: Electric Guitar, Bass, Programming Recorded at Sogo Studios (Little Tokyo, CA USA), LADWP (Little Tokyo, CA USA), Lalai Dama Music Studio (Sherman Oaks, CA USA), and digital-t Studios (Los Angeles, CA USA)

Recorded at Monk Turner studios in the Artist District of Downtown, Los Angeles on April 19th, 2011. This episode is sponsored by the fine folks at blacklava.net - get their new "Hapa Papa" t-shirt! If you liked what you heard, please comment AND donate by simply clicking the Paypal button at http://www.creativelifepod.com.