by Yin & Young
Yin & Young is a podcast that explores the intricacies of life, relationships, art, and the Asian American experience.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/11/2016
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
February 11, 2025
In this episode of Yin & Young, we chat with Gabriel Toya-Meléndez, an LA-based filmmaker of Puerto Rican and Japanese heritage. Gabriel shares with us his experiences growing up in San Francisco vs Florida, how he got into filmmaking, and how he navigates difference spaces as someone with a mixed background. Gabriel’s links: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japorican1/ - “Han” - Short film (Gabriel was the Director of Photography and Editor): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08CZ4J3GP/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Highlights: 00:00:00 Introductions and discussion of Gabriel's background: of Japanese and Puerto Rican descent, grew up in San Francisco and Florida, his exposure to both his Japanese and Puerto Rican heritage. 00:05:53 Conservatism in Japanese Americans post WWII. Dad was trying to figure out his identity growing up. 00:07:33 Cultural heritage passed down through food and cooking. 00:09:47 Background on Gabriel’s Japanese grandparents and their relationship. 00:15:01 Gabriel and James share stories about the reluctance of their grandparents generation to talk about WWII. 00:18:11 Connecting to his Puerto Rican heritage through Spanish. 00:20:13 Contrasted his time between Florida and California: in Florida, felt his ethnicity and race was highlighted even more. 00:24:55 Making friends through similar interests: broadcasting, filmmaking. Issues being the token “Asian,” Puerto Rican heritage being disregarded. 00:29:45:13 Florida's different communities and cultural pockets. 00:32:45:21 Tokenization and coming into your own identity. 00:35:35:08 Answering the "where are you from?" question. 00:37:40:09 First steps into filmmaking. 00:42:43:19 Life after college: looking for work in film production. 00:45:26:04 Figuring out what he wants to do in film. 00:49:18:03 Thoughts on film school. 00:52:52:04 Film set life. 00:54:14:13 Gabe moves to LA and reconnects with filmmaking thanks to James. 00:57:36:06 Advice for those that want to pursue filmmaking. 00:58:58:08 The filming process for the short film "Han" (link above) and some of the creative influences Gabriel 01:02:59:08 Working with actor Earl T. Kim. 01:08:45:04 Enjoying the process. 01:10:58:09 Advice for young filmmakers. 01:16:41:13 Some of our favorite films and TV shows. 01:23:26:20 What's something that helps you keep balanced? James - Walks in the park. Gabriel - Training Kendo. 01:26:30:18 Language Corner: * つけ麺 (tsukemen) is a Japanese dish of dipping noodles. The “tsuke” part of the word means to dip. * いただきます (itadakimasu) is a Japanese phrase said before eating a meal to give thanks. It comes from the verb いただく(itadaku), which means to accept/to receive. * “China” in Puerto Rican Spanish means “oranges” due to the historical link of oranges coming from China. * Chintan ramen (清湯ラーメン) is a Japanese term, derived from Mandarin, meaning “clear broth ramen.” 01:31:41:15 Advice to those who have mixed backgrounds and may have a hard time fitting in. Gabriel found his people when taking an interest in the arts ——— Follow and connect with us on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast Remember to like/comment to helps others find our work! Inquiries: yinyoungpodcast[at]gmail.com
November 25, 2024
Paul Hoi shares his Japan stories, passions for skiing and scuba diving, and insights into solo traveling, revealing the realities and benefits of exploring new cultures and identities.
June 28, 2024
William Gee Wong (Bill) is a prominent figure in the realm of Chinese-American journalism and literature, recognized for his insightful contributions to the understanding of Asian American experiences. Born and raised in Oakland Chinatown in California, Bill's work often reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the diverse cultural landscape of his upbringing. Bill's narratives provide a vital perspective on the Asian American community's struggles and triumphs. Bill’s most recent endeavor is a memoir chronicling his own family’s immigration story as well as his life and career. Bill shares deep, personal insight into the Chinese American immigration experience during the early 20th century, the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and its impact on American society. Bill’s website: https://www.williamgeewong.com/ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to William Gee Wong (Bill) and his recent memoir, “Sons of Chinatown.” 03:40 Bill’s father, mother, and sisters’ migration story. 11:02 Angel Island and the paper sons, paper marriage scheme. 16:23 Bill’s father’s “altercation” with his paper brother over losing money in the lottery business. 22:20 Bill’s father and mother really wanted a son. Some favoritism for sons. 25:47 We share our connections to the Bay Area. Bill’s “Chinatown bubble.” 33:05 Cultural separation from Hoishan-wa and his father. A connection to the Chinatown mindset. 36:40 Chinatown Tongs 45:50 Los Angeles Tong/Benevolent Association. 49:00 Bill’s identity search as he moved from Chinatown to bigger, whiter America and navigating these spaces in the journalism world. 01:00:57 Returns to writing and starts a weekly column highlighting Asian American issues at the Oakland Tribune. 01:05:12 What does it mean to be Asian American? Bill highlights the many different groups and histories this label encompasses. 01:16:50 James shares stories about being asked about his identity. 01:20:25 Dan shares his thoughts on the “Asian American” label and Hollywood casting. 01:22:30 Bill’s conversation with his son when they visited Bill’s father’s ancestral home (spoiler alert for those who plan to read the book). 01:30:40 Angel Island is depicted in Berkeley Rep’s: Far Country. 01:33:00 What do you to stay balanced? - Walk around the neighborhood. - Weightlifting. 01:36:00 Language corner: Taiwanese Hokkien (Reference: Mandarin and Taiwanese dictionary: https://itaigi.tw) - 免客氣 mián kheeh-khì - You’re welcome. (lit. Don’t be so polite). - 緣投 iân-tâu - handsome, good looks. - 無共款 bô-kāng-khuán - not the same, different Hoishan-wa/Taishanese - 哎呀/哎吔 aiya - oh my god! Japanese - おもろい omoroi - interesting [in the Kansai dialect]. ——— Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube: @yinyoungpodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/yinyoungpodcast YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yinyoungpodcast Like/comment to helps others find our work! Yin & Young is produced by James Y. Shih and Daniel Yin. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/yinyoungpodcast Email: [email protected]
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