Asian Pacific Voices Radio

Dive into the Melodic World of Maki Mae - Where Virtuosity Meets Diversity in Every Note | 4x6

Maki Mae is a multi-talented, 13-language vocalist, concert pianist, and classically-trained violinist who has captivated audiences globally. Her illustrious career has seen her headlining crossover performances in major televised events, sports arenas, and festivals, including America's Got Talent, Special Olympics World Games, and Burning Man.

In this episode, Maki shares the incredible story about how she was born as a blue baby not breathing and months later was rescued from crib death, resulting in 70% of her hearing loss, which ironically led to her discovering her love and passion for music. 

Known for her virtuoso coloratura and dynamic performances, her diverse talent spans classical arias, crossover pieces in jazz, pop, and alternative rock, and even a groundbreaking remix of Skrillex's "Kyoto." Hailing from Tokyo and Taipei, her journey from performing in the Taiwan National Recital Hall at 15 to becoming President & CEO of Asian Hall of Fame and CEO of the Robert Chinn Foundation showcases her global cultural perspective.

Unleash the Action - From Script to Scene, Crafting Impactful Stories | 4x5

Born in Hong Kong, Andy Cheng began his martial arts journey early, mastering Taekwondo and earning numerous championships, including five consecutive gold medals. His prowess led him to represent Hong Kong internationally, clinching victories across various competitions. 

After retiring from competitive sports, Cheng ventured into the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents as an Action Artist for Hong Kong’s TVB. His career blossomed further when he joined Jackie Chan's esteemed stunt team, contributing to blockbuster films like "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai Noon." Transitioning seamlessly into directing and choreography, Cheng left an indelible mark on Hollywood, working on projects such as "The Scorpion King" and "6 Underground."

In this episode, Andy shares his experiences on what inspired him to get into acting, and why he transitioned from being in front of the screen to becoming a screenwriter and director. 

Notably, his work on Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" received widespread acclaim.  Cheng's dedication to martial arts in film was honored with the inaugural Bruce Lee Award in 2021. With a diverse portfolio spanning Hong Kong, China, and Hollywood, Cheng continues to captivate audiences with his universal appeal and breathtaking action sequences, exemplifying his mastery in the craft learned from industry luminaries.

Mastering Flavors, Defying Limits – A Culinary Journey Beyond Sight | 4x4

A renowned chef, writer, and TV host, Christine Ha made history as the first blind contestant to win MasterChef's third season in 2012. Despite her visual impairment, she has triumphed as a talented Vietnamese American chef, becoming an inspiration for many due to her culinary achievements, and her impactful work in the world of cooking and television.

In this Episode, Christine shares her inspirational journey in the culinary world, from her early experiences of moving from Saigon to Texas, following the Vietnam War, to hosting Four Senses, a cooking show for the visually impaired. We also get fun insights about her experience as a contestant on MasterChef, her collaborations with Chef Gordon Ramsay as well as Chef Tony Nguyen, and what lasting impacts those moments had on her.

In 2014, Christine made history as the first chef and author to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Personal Achievement Award, with us she shares how this triumph influenced her efforts in advocating for people with vision loss and her work in the culinary world. As author of the highly acclaimed book: Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food , she shares the inspiration behind this project and also highlights her favorite recipes!

 

Illuminating Histories, Fostering Connections – One Mural at a Time | 4x3

Eliseo Art Silva is a contemporary multimedia artist whose vibrant creations breathe life into historical narratives and foster compassionate connections within communities. Born in Manila in 1972, he migrated to the United States at 17, bringing a rich tapestry of Filipino heritage that now intricately weaves through his remarkable body of work. Renowned for designing iconic landmarks like the Eastern Gateway to Historic Filipinotown and the Gintong Kasaysayan mural, Eliseo is not only a muralist, but also a visionary who amplifies historically marginalized voices.

In this Episode, joined by host Joanne Whitlock, Eliseo shares his experiences of growing up in Manila before immigrating to the US, and what early influences sparked his interest in art. As a Mural Artist, Eliseo takes us through his processes when it comes to the conception of his designs, and how he exquisitely captures historical narratives, in which inspires community solidarity through philosophy and urban design.

As Founding President of FANHS-PA and Events Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Pennsylvania, Eliseo explains how the world of art further cultivates and highlights Filipino American history/culture, promoting the importance of heritage. Find Eliseo at www.eliseoartsilva.com to view more of his work and testimonials.

Weaving Stories, Shaping Culture, Inspiring Change | 4x2

A multifaceted creative force, Nic Cha Kim is an award-winning television reporter, documentary filmmaker, playwright, and cultural activist. With a remarkable career spanning across various artistic disciplines, Nic has made significant contributions to the world of arts and culture in downtown Los Angeles.

In this episode with host, Rasha Goel, Nic Cha Kim shares his experiences in the '92 LA Uprising, how he views the intersection of technology and art that shape the future of creative expression, and what trends he is currently excited about in the world of digital art. We also get insight on his views in regards to the ever evolving relationship between media, storytelling, and social change, especially in the context of today's fast-paced digital world.

He has won 4 LA Emmys for his work on SoCal Connected (KCET) and Artbound (KCET), as well as, the LA Press Club's 'Television Journalist of the Year Award'. Executive Director of Niche.LA Video Art, Nic directs and produces documentaries for public television and curates digital and video art shows. (Editor of Niche.LA Video Art featured in the Tumblr Art Spotlight). His plays Trapezoid, RE:verse, Rise Up!, and Like Yesterday have been produced for the stage by Lodestone Theatre Ensemble and Company of Angels.

Rediscover, Reflect, and Reconnect: Season Premiere with Hosts Rasha, Sasha and Joanne 4x01

 

In the highly anticipated premiere of Asian Pacific Voices Season 4, our dynamic hosts Rasha Goel, Sasha Foo, and Joanne Whitlock delve into a diverse array of thought-provoking subjects, offering viewers an engaging and insightful kick-off to the new season. From exploring cultural intersections to addressing pressing issues, the hosts bring their unique perspectives to ensure a captivating and enriching viewing experience.

 

Rasha Goel, an experienced TV host and producer, brings her dynamic storytelling skills to the forefront. With a keen eye for impactful narratives, she has a proven track record of delivering engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Sasha Foo is a multifaceted talent, who seamlessly transitions from her roles as an accomplished actress and playwright to her previous position as a distinguished news anchor. Her unique blend of creativity and journalistic insight promises to infuse the show with depth and authenticity.

Introduced as a new host to Season 4, Major Joanne Whitlock is an Airforce officer who adds a distinctive perspective to the program. With a background rooted in service and leadership, she brings a wealth of experience that enriches the discussions, offering a unique lens on people and topics of interest.

 

Amit and Vineesha Arora-Sarin: Dreamweavers: Crafting On & Off Screen Magic | 3x36

For this Season 3 finale episode, we are joined by a remarkable power couple who have left a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Joining us is a versatile actor, Amit Sarin, whose inspiring journey from Indian television to global recognition has captivated millions, and his incredibly talented wife, Vineesha Arora-Sarin, who is a producer and creative powerhouse behind the scenes. Together, they create magic both on and off the screen, weaving captivating narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Vineesha Arora-Sarin is an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, with her film journey beginning in Mumbai in 2000. She started in the Indian entertainment industry with her acting debut in the film Supari (2003), distributed by Yashraj Films. She is a Filmmaker and Founder of Lady With A Hat Productions and CEO/Executive Director of Woman In Showbiz Everywhere (WISE). Vineesha is the Executive Producer of the indie horror film Natty Knocks (2023), directed by Dwight Little. Vineesha's storytelling reflects her humanistic and spiritual perspectives, aiming to open doors for the underserved.

Amit Sarin's long and respected association with the Indian television industry, combined with a business background in real estate has given him a dynamic experience to spearhead the business affairs at RRF, where he also oversees the company’s day-to-day operations. Alongside his successful acting career, Amit had ventured into his family’s real estate business in Varanasi, India, where he owns and runs a chain of heritage hotels. Amit’s strong business acumen and intuition helped guide him into expanding the entertainment fund across the media spectrum. Some of Amit’s most noteworthy performances are from the series Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kkusum, Doli Saja Ke, and Pavitra Rishta, among many others produced by Balaji Telefilms.

Blessed Films is an independent film studio founded and managed by Amit Sarin and Vineesha Arora-Sarin, based in Los Angeles that develops and produces film, television and digital content for a global audience. They specialize in bringing together two of the biggest and most influential entertainment industries in the world - Hollywood and the Indian film industry. Watch Natty Knocks (2023) by renting or buying on Apple TV, VUDU, and Amazon Prime.

Maru Kim: Bridging Cultures, One Mic at a Time | 3x35

Known as MC MARU, Maru Kim is a Korean-American professional emcee, motivational speaker, and CEO of @maruonthestage Entertainment. With his unique, uncanny trilingual (Korean, English, Spanish) ability, cross-cultural sensitivity, and 600+ appearances on the stage as MC and speaker, he has been entertaining, motivating, and growing with Korean, Hispanic, and many other multi-ethnic immigrant communities.

Maru is based in LA, and with an enormous amount of support and recognition from his Korean American and Latino community, he has been traveling all around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Paraguay, etc. to embrace and connect multicultural audience gathered at all kinds of events such as K-pop concert, multi-ethnic festival, leadership conference, fundraising gala, business expo, showcase, fan meeting, corporate/private events, weddings, and so on. With his “No one left out” emceeing philosophy, MC MARU does his magic on stage firing up the audience with his charisma, character, and passion. 

In this episode, MC MARU talks about his ongoing journey as the face of the Korean American community, and his relentless efforts to expand his territory and influence to embrace and engage with the Latino community. You can see his footprints on his Instagram @maruonthestage.  

Illuminating humanity through laughter and narratives | 3x34

Joining us in this episode is a remarkable storyteller and creative activist, Alaudin Ullah, whose work resonates deeply across cultures and communities. One of the first South Asians to appear as a stand-up comedian on national television, including Comedy Central, BET, MTV, and PBS, his groundbreaking one-person, multi-character play, Dishwasher Dreams, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, shedding light on the immigrant experience with humor and profound narrative depth.

Ullah's three-act play Halal Brothers centers on the interactions between African American and Bengali Muslims in a Harlem halal butcher's shop on the day of Malcolm X's murder in 1965. In his autobiographical solo show, Dishwasher Dreams, Ullah and musician Avirodh Sharma take audiences on a journey of vivid remembrances and discoveries from 1930s India (now Bangladesh) to 1970s Spanish Harlem to present-day Hollywood. 

Alaudin shares his experiences growing up in a culturally divided household, and opens up about the significant impacts in his life that had shaped his cultural identity. As a creative activist, Alaudin expresses the role as an artist and storyteller when it comes to shaping societal perceptions and fostering empathy, especially in today's diverse and often divided world. 

Geeranan Chuersanga: Connecting Global Thai Community through Art | 3x33

Geeranan Chuersanga (Jeer-rah-nahn Choo-er-sahng-ah) , also known as Cartoon, is a Thai American, diversity, (health) equity and inclusion advocate as well as a self-taught artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Fun fact: Her nickname "Cartoon" was given by her parents since birth and derived from the popular cartoon character "Tweety" for her big eyes.

Her full-time career and art endeavors were heavily influenced by her parents' experiences navigating their Thai cultural beliefs with the US healthcare system. As a result, she received her BA in Public Health Policy from the University of California, Irvine and her MS in Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice at Boston University.

Her interest in art and niche in capturing Thai elements led to the creation of @kwamsookxo on Instagram. With increased exposure of Asian American art and artists on various social media platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed a lack of Thai-American representation and switched gears to shift her art to educate about Thai culture and capture the experiences of the Thai diaspora community.