ASIAN AMERICA: THE KEN FONG PODCAST

EP 570: Author/Activist Dr. Winnie M. Li On New Novel "What We Left Unsaid"

Award-winning author and activist Dr. Winnie M. Li has recently published her third novel! What We Left Unsaid has us join three estranged Chinese American adult siblings on a Route 66 road trip that includes a mysterious detour to the Grand Canyon. It's a delicious exploration of sibling dynamics that are definitely rooted in the past, but are now in dire need of reexamination and healing. #roadtrip #whatweleftunsaid @winniemli

EP 569: Kyle Ang On Creating "Tiger Tea Zine": A Space for Truths Often Carried Alone

What Kyle Ang began as a USC senior project has become a much-needed outlet for AANHPI's to express themselves artistically and in writing. Kyle's Tiger Tea Zine is a curated collection of contributions from those wanting to be seen and heard, especially as it pertains to their identities and well-being. @tigerteazine

EP 568: Kam Redlawsk On Learning to Make Peace with Her "Monster"

In writing and illustrating her 2025 debut picture book, Kam Redlawsk enables readers of any age to relate to her journey to come to grips with a form of muscular dystrophy that is progressively robbing her of the use of her muscles. Yumi and Monster not only showcases Redlawk's prodigious gifts as a storyteller and artist, but also as a disability advocate. www.kamredlawsk.com

EP 567: The Two Kens On "Rental Family" & "Wicked for Good" and Che Ahn Entering the Race for CA Governor

Podcasters Ken Fong and Ken Kemp managed to squeeze out one more of their collaborative series before celebrating Thanksgiving this year overwhelms their schedules. But before diving head first into their discussion about prominent MAGA pastor and NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) global leader Rev. Che Ahn's entering the 2026 race to be California's next governor, they do their best "Sisket & Ebert" impression and talk about the significance of two films that just released in theaters this weekend: Rental Family and Wicked for Good.

EP 566: Neil Nayyar On Being a Global Musician AND Hikari On Co-writing & Directing "Rental Family"

This week I'm bringing you two exceptional guests. With the much-anticipated nationwide release of feature film Rental Family on November 21, my first interview is with the Japanese co-writer and director Hikari! Her latest creation has already garnered a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and I feel that it's one of the best films that I've seen in years. I'll go out on a limb and predict that Brendan Fraser will be nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role, Hikari will get the nod for Best Director and/or Best Original Story, and Rental Family will be nominated for Best Picture. My main interview is with South Asian American music prodigy Neil Nayyar, who is the current world record holder for playing 130+ musical instruments from all over the globe. You'll get to know how he discovered his innate gifts and abilities, and even though he loves it, how hard he keeps working to improve his prowess on all these diverse instruments. And I doubt that you'll be surprised when he tells you about the new musical skillset he began developing during the COVID shutdown. You can learn about his 2024 debut album "Breaking Barriers" and his 2024 illustrated book "Passion to Exploration of 107 Sound Machines" by visiting www.neilnayyar.com. #rentalfamilymovie #breakingbarriers