Pieces of a Nation

Reflecting on February. Lots happened. Focus on March.

We’ve got an exciting episode here. We’re talking to Glenn Topping. His background is insane. Deputy Sheriff, Hostage negotiator, Organized crime detective, Bodyguard for musical icons. And now he’s putting all this experience into his books. His latest book, “The Hurt”, is about one of these experiences. Listen as we dive into his background and his journey.

Facebook: Glenn Topping
LinkedIn: Glenn Topping
Twitter: Sgt.Patriot @gto911

In this episode we talk to Cameron Van Hoy, an independent filmmaker who has just come out with a unique “neo noir” film called Flinch which is also his directorial debut.

What makes this film unique is that Cameron has figured out a “decentralized cinema” film business model and is utilizing the DeFi technology while pushing boundaries in this new world of web 3.

If you’re a filmmaker you need to listen to this.

Twitter:
@CameronVanHoy
@FlinchNFT

Yo Yo Ma is one of my favorite cellists. I just don’t know too much about him. We also talk about my son and new phases and NFT.

This week I wanted to talk about working with my brother. How NFT’s has made us closer and how that can easily cause butting heads. Also, I’m ending this episode with a new song. Hope you enjoy!

Bringing in the new year with a new song, reflections and new direction with the podcast.
Reach out on Twitter @RichardChiu and @PiecesofaNation

Big thank you to everyone for following this journey. We’ve had some really great people on this podcast in 2021 and it’s been an amazing ride. Wanted to use this opportunity to give some reflection and talk about successes, struggles and everything else that comes up. Hope you all enjoy and see you with a new season in 2022!

“Classifications and distinctions based on race or color have no moral or legal validity in our society. They are contrary to our constitution and laws.” –Thurgood Marshall

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do in the context of politics are human rights? I have and its a subject that I feel I’ve barely scratched the surface with. Join Dr. Tanya Bakhru (Professor of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at San Jose State University) and myself, Richard Chiu while we chip away at the subjects of reproductive justice, sexual rights, and human empathetic points of connection.

“The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
–Dan Millman

From seed to plant, every piece of life is supported by something else. Join Take Uhuru (Author of Afroset, historian and archivist) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we talk about the beauty of African culture, his purpose with community building as an African in America, and his new book the Afro Set.

“It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.”
Eckhart Tolle


It’s said that when we balance mind, body and soul along with having good focus and the ability to listen to the signs what the universe is sending us, then we are able to truly materialize our full potential. Join Himanish Goel (Spiritual and Meditation Teacher) and myself as we dive into being present, how the small things matter and to be open to what the future has to offer.

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
-Lao Tzu

No matter what industry you’re in being kind is essential to build relationships, trust and confidence. Join Dawn Higginbotham (Producer and Author) and myself as we talk about the in’s and out’s of being a film producer, treating others kindly and setting boundaries.

“Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment.”
-Gary Chapman

As the world becomes more connected through technology sometimes it can be an opportunity to disconnect from the things that matter like our intimate relationships with our partners. Join Lori Beard (Life Coach, Author and Mother of eight) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we discuss surrendering your pride in relationships, breaking bad cycles, and couple self care.

“When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you."
-Susan Sarandon

Creating a harmonious society is no easy task. It takes deep empathy to and self reflection to truly understand who we are in our environment and who we’re surrounded by. Join Dana Kaplan (Founder of Developing Empathetic Education with Dana) and myself as we take a true fun deep dive into the world of creating a new vision for kids, how we need to serve children and how every moment between child and adult can impact a child’s future.

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
-John Lennon

Connecting deeply with another human being can be one of the most amazing and greatest opportunities to bring happiness to each other. Take a deep dive with Kumari Bakhru (Award Winning Producer and co-author of ‘The Guide to Managing Postproduction for Film, TV, and Digital Distribution’) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we chat about philosophy of technology, discrimination in the entertainment industry and just being nice, gosh darn it!

“When you accept that all of your potential is entirely within your control then the power of that potential grows dramatically.”
-Jim Kwik

When you find yourself in the middle of the trenches of life, struggling to be your true self while going beyond your limitations, the best remedy can be to simply just word hard and do it. Join Dreia Wells (Author of her new book, ‘Chosen’) and myself as we talk about having to prove yourself, not settling for mediocrity and taking risks.

"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
-Marianne Williamson

Many of us can often live for the future and not the present, but what if we can learn to consistently sacrifice today for tomorrow? Join Jeremy Nicolaides (CEO of Golden Octopillar) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we talk about the mindset of entrepreneurship, adding value to the community and beating your demons with appreciation.

“One thing I had learned from watching chimpanzees with their infants is that having a child should be fun.”
-Jane Goodall

Sometimes in life when our problems seem to be weighing us down and exchanging tainted glasses for rose colored ones might not always be the answer, just the act of making up our minds to change a situation could be all that we really need. Join Dr. Sarah Levin Allen (Author of Raising Brains) and myself as we explore the work-life balance, setting goals, and making a plan for yourself…and your kids.

“Someone who has experienced trauma also has gifts to offer all of us - in their depth, their knowledge of our universal vulnerability, and their experience of the power of compassion.” -Sharon Salzberg

Betrayal can be a tool that invites you to create a new identity, as long as you make that choice. Join Debi Silber (#1 Bestselling Author of the ‘Unshakeable Woman’) and I as we chat about pieces from her new book ‘Trust Again’, the 3 Discoveries, and healing and rebuilding your life.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
-Maya Angelou

Injustices are all around us. Its the heart of the people that will change society. Join Alex Toribio (Music and Talent Promoter/ DJ/ Artist) and myself, Richard Chiu as we chat about the inequality as a female in the music industry, a thousand new hobbies due to the pandemic, and new paradigms to think about in life.

#SocialAnxietyMedia

“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.”
-Aung San Suu Kyi

Regardless of what path we take, when we’re entrapped in the moments or memories that keep us down we just need to have the courage to make a decision to move forward. Join Celeste Barclay (Author of the romantic novel series ‘Viking Glory’) and myself, Richard Chiu as we talk about being an entrepreneur, mixing business and art and taking the leap of faith.

“When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.”
-Dalai Lama

At times when we walk through life’s journey we encounter many different people, obstacles, challenges, decisions, and so much more. And when we forget to deal with the problems from within, it can trickle into our life and environment creating “havoc” until we take full responsibility. Join Falcon Sang (Musician, Activist) and myself, Richard Chiu as we talk about the George Floyd incident, racism, and understanding his own personal anger.

“Where there is life there is hope.”
Stephen Hawking

Having transformational change starts from embracing and healing of the inner being. Join Grace Harris (International Speaker, Author and Creator of ‘Atomic Self Love Project’ ™ and myself as we take a deep dive into cellular wounds and toxic memories, the Pandora’s box of stored emotions and journaling to transform your life.

“You’re in charge of your mind. You can help it grow by using it in the right way.”
Carol Dweck

Success is defined differently from each perspective but true success is depended on how happy you are and how much happiness you bring to other. Join Deborah Gilels (Publicist and Media Consultant) and myself while we chat about her experiences in the entertainment industry as an executive, how she learned to overcome her fears during times of impasse and the quest for living from the heart.

“Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”
Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

All of us are born happy and its life’s circumstances that challenge each of us to regain that happiness each day. Join Tracey Osbourne (Trauma Release Coach) and myself as we navigate through the in’s and outs of shifting the mindset after trauma, fear of being judged, and “Post Traumatic Growth”.

Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Join Brandon Hearnsberger and myself, Richard Chiu, as we chat about getting out of your own way, how self reflection is necessary and chasing love in a distant land called Los Angeles.

#actor #lalaland #hollywood #losangeles #texas #happiness #pursuitofhappiness #selfreflection #drinkinggames #coffeefanatic #foodie #parisbaguette

“Destiny is a worrying concept. I don’t want to be fated, I want to choose.”
Jeanette Winterson

Having the drive to make a difference in the world especially in your community is probably the most selfless thing a person can do during a lifetime. Join Sarah Feldscher and myself, Richard Chiu, as we speak about creating a roadmap for life, the benefit of having mentors, and giving back.

Ice Cube once said, "Truth is the ultimate power. When the truth comes around, all the lies have to run and hide." In this dialogue, Dr. Clinton Jones and myself, Richard Chiu as we discuss the process of evolution in the revolution of the heart and mind, what true humanistic competition is, and how when America changes the whole world will change.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself” —Leo Tolstoy

There’s a saying in Buddhism that you need to “Become the master of your mind rather than let your mind master you.” -Nichiren Daishonin. Its an easy thing to accept but its difficult to actually do. Join Dr. Angela Wilson (Creator of Mind Power Magic) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we discuss emotional awareness, converting negative energies to positive energy, and how invisible forces can overtake you if you’re not aware of it.

“The closer one gets to realizing his destiny, the more that destiny becomes his true reason for being.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

When you mix personal experience and your hearts desire together towards achieving something truly meaningful, not just for yourself but for others as well, then there is no stopping you from getting what you want in life. Join Magi Avila (Actor/Filmmaker) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we take a conversational dive into her life, living your full potential and her directorial documentary debut ‘Altitude Not Attitude’.

“Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is extensive fantasy activity that replaces human interaction and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning.”
Eli Somer

Living in a fantasy world can be a momentary escape for most people but for Maladaptive Daydreamers it can be a unprecedented lifestyle. Join Cagla Altintas and myself, Richard Chiu, as we chat about our personal struggles with MD and how we learned to manage it.

“If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”
Joseph Campbell

Climbing Mount Olympus might have a certain path but it’s the personal experiences that make it unique. Join Allen Theosky Rowe (Actor) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we chat about his journey as an actor starting from a Taiwanese TV show called ‘Duck Blood Soup’ and the current battles in Hollywood’s diversity issues.

“Love is the beauty of the soul.” Saint Augustine. The sound of a beautiful lingering note can vibrate and affect the human heart beyond unknown boundaries. Join Mary Lou Sandler and myself, Richard Chiu as we chat about soul cleansing, celebrating ourselves while releasing judgement from within. And a little about her new kitten #Catio.

War is an unnecessary evil in all of mankind with absolutely no value in it. Join Mikael Alemseged (Actor/Hip Hop Artist) and myself, Richard Chiu, as we discuss his homeland in Ethiopia in a region called Tigray where a war has broken out and is destroying his people, his homeland and his ties with his tribe.

Emmy award winning actress, voice over artist and mom, Marabina Jaimes is creating her legacy. Join us as we talk about the journey towards her first Emmy, the problematic issues with formulaic writing for minorities in the entertainment industry of Hollywood and her vision of her future.

Welcome to Season 2 of Pieces of a Nation with Richard Chiu. This season is exciting. We have encouraging dialogue, fun guests and surprises, all in the comfort of our own home. Because of the pandemic all interviews will be on zoom. Apologize for the digital hiccups.

In this episode Justin Sandler (Actor, Producer, Author and Activist) and I talk about his battle with cancer and how he’s overcome it and now living life with a new determination.

It has been said that “If a person has any greatness in oneself, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of one’s daily work.” For Zoey Rose this is the journey of her lifelong (trans)formation. Join us as we discuss gender dysphoria, political injustice, and dating in the new world of becoming a trans woman.

Actor, doctor and author. Roy is a one of kind. In this episode we talk about his new book that’s aimed to change the way people think about health.

Clint Jung was an actor, mentor, warrior and extraordinary human being. He recently left us this past March 2021. In this interview we capture the true essence and wonder of Clint. Much love and farewell my dear friend. I learned so much from you.

There’s a Buddhist saying that the cherry, plum, peach, and damson even though different that every being is beautiful and valuable as it is, without trying to be something else.

Every individual navigates through life in a unique way.

Join me on these deep dive chats with artists, entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists and much more.