S2 E12: Rod Kim on why an Asian Bruce Springsteen is overdue, full circle moments with his parents & music, and reclaiming his youth. BONUS: see why h...

DESCRIPTION

Rod had every intention of following the traditional path and become an automotive engineer in Indiana. But he chose to follow his passion instead. We talk about breaking the news to his family, how his parents struggled to understand what being a professional musician really means, and how the BLM protests have inspired him to reclaim his youth and be more vocal about his experiences. We touch on Asian expectations and stereotypes, and why he thinks we're overdue for an Asian American Bruce Springsteen or a Japanese Country star. We also get a glimpse of how cool an uncle Rod is. This episode is brimming with full circle moments, fun anecdotes, and hope for the future.

GUEST BIO

Rod Kim is an American songwriter (and occasional actor) based in Los Angeles, CA. Some of his recent credits include the Philadelphia Phillies mascots' theme song, music for the official YouTube Audio Library, the end credit theme for "Pretty Outrageous" as well as music for the YouTube channels NerdSync, Yo Mama and many more.

In addition to songwriting and composing, Rod is a YouTuber who has collaborated with Ron Wasserman (Power Rangers, X-Men: The Animated Series), Michael and Patty Silversher (Disney's Talespin, Gummi Bears) and Ryan Elder (Rick and Morty).

Instagram | TikTok | Web

MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Youtube links:

• Where are you really from?

Movies:

• Big Fat Greek Wedding
• Shang Chi
• Encanto
• Turning Red
• Joy Luck Club
• Crazy Rich Asians
• Blinded by the Light
• Get Out

TV:

• Fresh Off The Boat
• The Amber Ruffin Show

TAKEAWAYS

1. If it feels wrong for you, it might be.
2. Shortcomings are often fixable if you can leave your ego at the door.
3. It's not the milestones you hit, but the daily choices you make that define you in the end.
4. Two people can go through the same event but have different experiences.
5. Use your privilege for good.
6. Call out all the isms in your circles, because that's where you have the most influence.
7. Diversity needs to come from behind the camera, in writers rooms, all throughout the creative process in order to tell authentic, nuanced, relatable, and truly diverse stories.
8. Oppression isn't a contest. Help fix it for everyone instead of arguing about who is more oppressed.

CONTACT

Instagram | TikTok | Web | LinkedIn | Twitter

Hosts: Lazou & Ariadne Mila

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