AZN Connection
By AZN Connection
What does it mean to be Asian? It’s a question that can’t be answered easily. There’s so many layers to a person’s identity. It’s become difficult for Asians to navigate their heritage and come to an understanding of their identity in the today’s world. AZN Connection is here to explore all the definitions, topics, and aspects of culture that make us who we are. Come along on the journey, as we explore what it truly means, to be Asian. Hosted by John Paul Gallardo, Jeffery Tram, Rhea Lisondra, Lea Batara, and Ann Marie Elpa.
AZN ConnectionDec 31, 2020
00:00
01:15:39
Behind the Scenes of Ann’s Miss Asia Canada Journey
Take a peak backstage as Ann and Rhea discuss Ann's Miss Asia Canada journey! Get ready for an insider's perspective on being a beauty pageant contestant as Ann shares the behind-the-scenes details of her experience.
Apr 04, 202446:22
Ask AZN Pt. 2 – Catching up with us & answering more questions
To kick off the new season, Jeff and Rhea catch you up on the team's journey and dive into questions from the Asian diaspora on Reddit. Listen as they share their candid thoughts on topics like gaining confidence and style tips as well as discussing how different they would be had their families not immigrated to Canada.
Mar 14, 202446:00
Season 2 Recap
In this episode of AZN Connection Lea, Ann and Rhea reflect on the past season. From their behind-the-scenes experiences with recording, photo shoots, events, and plans for the future as well as their episode recommendations from the season. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this season, we’ll see you again soon!
Mar 13, 202335:44
Ask AZN 1 – Career and Family Advice, and Pursuing your own Happiness
In this episode of Ask AZN, Rhea and John Paul give their two cents on the dilemmas of commenters seeking advice on social media. The two discuss networking, college/university, family dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness (not the movie). Please feel free to send us your questions for a future episode of Ask AZN, you can remain completely anonymous and we’ll do our best to answer your questions!
Feb 17, 202342:01
On the Monterey Park Shooting and Recent Violence in the US
We at the AZN Connection are heartbroken after the shootings of innocent members of the Asian community recently in California.
Although it is hard, we tried to have a conversation about how we felt. This is a message we truly want to promote: the importance of talking about our feelings with the people we trust. We are joined in this episode by Raymond Mai, along with Jeff, Ann, and Lea as they, they process this tragedy with the community.
Although it is hard, we tried to have a conversation about how we felt. This is a message we truly want to promote: the importance of talking about our feelings with the people we trust. We are joined in this episode by Raymond Mai, along with Jeff, Ann, and Lea as they, they process this tragedy with the community.
Jan 31, 202301:03:24
Asian Music to listen to in 2023
In this episode, John and Rhea break down their top 4 Asian artists they currently listen to. They discuss the likes of Keshi, BTS, and a couple of their other favourites, along with giving some of their deep cut song recommendations. All that, and more, today on AZN Connection.
Jan 12, 202358:29
The Magical World of KDramas with Joan Vos MacDonald
In this episode, Rhea and John are joined by Joan Vos MacDonald. Joan is a freelance writer based in New York and she has covered korean dramas and media since 2013. They discuss the recent rise in popularity kdramas have had over the last couple years, the themes that make kdramas special, as well as pointing out the cliche tropes that make them cringe. They also explore the portrayal of masculinity and femininity in kdramas, the subtle and not-so subtle product placements, along with sharing their all-time favourites and must-watch kdramas from 2022. All that, and so much more, today, on this episode of AZN Connection.
Dec 29, 202253:38
Exploring the ins and outs of Anime
In this episode, Rhea, Jeff, John, and Ann discuss everything anime. They talk about their favourites, recommendations on what to watch, while also touching on the hot button issue of: Is Avatar the last airbender an anime? All that, and more, on this episode.
Dec 15, 202255:46
All Access with Rivermaya – The Past, Present, And Future of the Iconic Filipino Rock Band
In this episode, John sits down with the iconic Filipino alternative rock group Rivermaya. The band talks about their origins in music and with Rivermaya. The quartet also goes through some of their favourites in the extensive Rivermaya discography, while also discussing how to pursue music in today’s world as an aspiring artist. Finally, the band gives a sneak peek into their upcoming plans for 2023.
Dec 01, 202247:19
Interview with Mixed Miyagi
In this episode, join Jeffrey and Lea as they talk with Florida rapper Mixed Miyagi. The half-Nigerian, half-Vietnamese artist reveals his main goal behind his music, musical inspirations, and how his culture became integral to his art.
Nov 17, 202201:23:44
Exploring the Cultural Mosaic
In this episode of AZN Connection, John, Jeff and Rhea share their point of view on Asian-Canadian identity and how some can feel like outsiders within their own community. We also discuss celebrating the cultural mosaic that is Asian identity and all its forms and intersections.
Nov 03, 202247:46
University Experiences – Back to School Series Part 2
In part 2 of our back to school series, Rhea, Ann, and John take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about university life. They talk about their experiences applying to university, along with exam stories. They also share their tips and tricks on how to navigate the post-secondary world.
Oct 20, 202257:30
Academic Pressure – Back to School Series Part 1
In this episode of AZN Connection, John, Jeff and Rhea look back on their school days sharing memories and discussing academic pressure and how to navigate conversations with family about post-secondary and career path decisions.
Oct 06, 202201:00:33
Learning and discovering cultural identity – Introducing co-hosts Ann and Lea
In a brand new season of AZN Connection, John, Jeff and Rhea introduce the team’s newest additions, Lea and Ann! In this special episode we discuss Lea and Ann’s experiences growing up and navigating in non-Asian majority spaces. In the second half of our conversation, we discuss role models, along with what they have learned and are continuing to learn about their identities and cultures.
Sep 22, 202201:10:15
Asian Representation on YouTube
In this episode of AZN Connection Jeff and Rhea discuss the Asian Youtbers they looked up to growing up as well as the importance of good Asian representation across social media platforms and mainstream.
Jun 04, 202101:17:39
1-on-1: Victoria Gravesande on Experiences as Asian Women (Part 2)
In part two of the discussion of experiences as Asian women, Rhea and Victoria discuss the possible limits of the Stop Asian Hate Movement, fetishization of Asian women and damaging dating preferences.
May 21, 202123:50
1-on-1: Victoria Gravesande on Experiences as Asian Women (Part 1)
In this episode, Rhea speaks with Victoria Gravesande on her newly found TikTok platform where Victoria creates content centered on womens' issues and experiences. They discuss their own experiences as Asian women from beauty standards, understanding the Asian identity, representation in the media and more.
May 21, 202125:54
Reni & Lansky of The Mixed Nuts Network Speak on How to Build Connections between Communities
In this episode of the AZN Connection, we talk to Reni & Lansky of the Mixed Nuts Network. Through several platforms, they have been able to build a community exploring topics around unity, culture, and diversity. One of their main objectives is to promote Black and Asian solidarity by finding commonalities in culture and addressing the deep issues that have caused division. Ultimately, their works center around deconstructing the institutions of power that enable white supremacy. We also explore topics such as colourism in the Asian Community, and the model minority myth, among a whole lot of other relevant topics and discussion. Strap in, and maybe get a snack.
Apr 23, 202101:44:05
Raymond Mai on the Importance of Listening & Education within Advocacy
In this episode, the squad is joined by Activist Raymond Mai. They discuss Raymond’s story growing up in San Diego, how to build solidarity within communities and between other communities, as well as other topics such as slacktivism and how the media can do better reporting on hate crimes and injustice. All that, and much more on this episode.
Mar 10, 202101:15:08
On the Attacks Against the Asian Community
In this episode of AZN Connection, Jeff, Rhea, and John speak on the attacks against the Asian community that have occurred in the United States. They discuss Canada’s news coverage on the attacks, how to stand in solidarity with communities that are suffering from injustices, along with discussions on the model minority myth and reasons why the Asian community has been largely silent about social injustices in the past. All that, and even more meaningful discussion on this episode, and the next couple episodes to come. Stay tuned for more.
Mar 03, 202142:24
1-on-1: Asian-American Activist Richard Tran
On this episode of the AZN Connection, Jeffery talks to Richard Tran, an Asian-American activist based in Norfolk, Virginia. The conversation is a continuation of the topics discussed on the Clubhouse app, where they originally met. Richard tells a unique story of his time at an HBCU. He also talks about Asian and Black solidarity, especially in times of Black Lives Matter and the rise of anti-Asian attacks, and the importance of speaking up.
Feb 24, 202136:52
Chinese Lunar New Year
The team is back, and this time they’re talking about Chinese Lunar New Year. Along with special guests Shan Qiao and Zhen Xiong, they all explore the essence of the holiday, along with various traditions, stories, and superstitions associated with the Lunar New Year. All that, and much more on this episode of AZN Connection.
Feb 12, 202157:15
Pinoys on Parliament 2021
On this episode, AZN Connection is joined by special guests Sabrina Price and Lourdes Teodoro. Sabrina and Lourdes are both part of the executive committee for Pinoys on Parliament, a youth networking and empowerment conference for FilipinX Canadian Youth. They tell us about the upcoming conference and its move to an online setting, what delegates can expect for this year’s conference, as well as how they got involved with P.O.P and what representation means for them. Stay tuned till the end of the episode for a special surprise! All that, and much more on this episode of AZN Connection.
Jan 29, 202149:18
2020 Recap: Reflecting On The Year That Was
In this episode, Rhea, John, and Jeff reflect on what has transpired in 2020, with civil unrest occurring throughout the world, a global pandemic shaking everything up, as well as sharing some true realizations about life. All that, and much much more, on this episode. Happy New Year from AZN Connection! Here’s to 2021!!!
Dec 31, 202001:15:39
1-on-1: VICE News’ Frankie Lantican on Disney’s ‘From Our Family To Yours’ holiday advert
Frankie Lantican is a journalism intern at VICE News in Singapore. Lantican wrote an article for VICE about Disney’s recent ‘From Our Family To Yours’ advert. She and John have a conversation about how the advert impacts Asian representation, while also talking about the similarities and differences of celebrating Christmas abroad versus in the Philippines.
Dec 18, 202016:00
The Filipino Christmas & Disney’s ‘From Our Family To Yours’ Advert
On this week’s episode, Rhea, John, and Jeff are back with special guest Corrine Codina to discuss Christmas and the special significance the holiday has for Filipinos. The crew also talk about their favourite Christmas songs and movies, reminisce on some memories, and also discuss Disney’s ‘From Our Family to Yours’ advert and it’s impact on Asian representation in media.
Dec 18, 202050:52
Upcoming Podcast Topics & AZN Connection’s Show Concept
Rhea, Jeff, and John speak on their interests. John talks briefly about how quarantine transformed him into a K-Drama aficionado, Rhea explores her love for K-pop, and Jeff expresses an interest to learn more about boba. They also speak on what to expect in future episodes, as well as discussing the show’s conceptual mission statement.
Nov 26, 202034:58
Asian “Expectations” & Career Paths
Rhea, John, and Jeff discuss the stereotypical expectations growing up in an Asian household and their experiences with that. They reminisce on school days, taking CASI tests, learning your times tables in kindergarten (yeah, apparently Jeff did that), and their loves for art and English. They also recall the conversations they’ve had with their parents when bringing up their career paths, along with giving advice to anyone out there that’s being pressured into a career they’re not passionate about.
Nov 26, 202033:37
Our Stories Growing Up Asian
Rhea, John, and Jeff recall what it was like for them to grow up in the communities they lived in. From being stereotyped at a young age, to personal stories with family, and finding solace in role models and other communities. Jeff and Rhea speak on what it was like to grow up in majority white communities while John speaks on his experience growing up in the GTA.
Nov 26, 202027:37