S2 | E9 - Redefining Narratives: Asian Women Podcasters Breaking Barriers (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)

Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture

Welcome to a special episode of "Asian and Amplified." You'll be joining a lively panel conversation delving into the world of podcasting and the unique experiences of our panelists within Berlin's vibrant Asian community.
Panelists:

• Natalina Pereira: Host of "Asia is Not a Country"
  • Passionate podcaster exploring the diverse cultures and stories within Asia. Her podcast, "Asia is Not a Country," has gained recognition for its insightful narratives.

• Jing-Jing Hu: Host of "You Rice Me Up"
  • Entrepreneur and podcaster sharing stories and experiences related to European Asian identity, culture, and personal growth.

• Liwen Qin: Host of "Seahorse Planet"
  • Feminist perspective through her Chinese-language podcast. Her unique approach to storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide.

Moderator:

• Sen Zhan: Host of "Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture"
  • Skilled storyteller delving into the experiences of individuals living at the intersection of cultures.

Questions from Audience:

1. What's been your revenue from podcasting? How has podcasting impacted your financial landscape?
2. As your podcast grows, a persona often develops around it. How do you manage and evolve this persona to resonate with your audience?
3. Can you share your toughest experience with podcast guests? How did you navigate and resolve challenging situations with guests?
4. What are models for intercultural belonging that you've encountered or explored through your podcasting journey? How can different cultures come together and thrive in today's interconnected world?

This event was part of Podfest Berlin, October 13-15, 2023, at Noisy Rooms in Berlin.
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Timestamps:
The question of hopes and nerves (00:00:00)
The hosts discuss the questions they hope to receive and their nervousness about the panel discussion.
Curiosity about podcast preferences (00:01:04)
Qing expresses curiosity about what listeners pay attention to in podcasts and the format of storytelling they enjoy.
Empowerment of telling personal stories (00:02:55)
Natalia talks about the empowering aspect of creating a podcast and being able to tell one's own story. She also mentions her nervousness about her podcast still being in production after two years.
The journey to podcasting (00:11:43)
The hosts discuss their personal backgrounds and how they got into podcasting, including their initial hesitations and inspirations.
Creating a platform for Asian Europeans (00:12:51)
The hosts talk about the lack of English-speaking podcasts about the experiences of Asian Europeans and the importance of highlighting their stories and diversity.
Finding the courage to share (00:19:19)
The hosts discuss the process of vulnerability and how it takes strength to open up and share personal stories, particularly in the context of feminism and women's empowerment.
The process of finding comfort in sharing personal stories (00:23:57)
The speakers discusses their hesitancy in publicly discussing personal experiences, particularly regarding family dynamics, and the importance of finding comfort in sharing vulnerable stories.
The challenge of being outspoken in the Chinese context (00:24:47)
The speakers admires those who dare to challenge norms and speak out in the Chinese context, highlighting the potential repercussions and censorship they may face.
The importance of vulnerability in podcast interviews (00:27:58)
The speaker emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in podcast interviews, both from the host and the guest, to create a genuine connection and allow for deeper conversations.
The programming journey (00:34:51)
Liwen discusses her interview with a former factory worker turned programmer and her own personal growth in expressing emotions.
The impact of colonialism (00:36:11)
Sen and Liwen talk about the lack of neutral perspectives in storytelling and the influence of colonialism on their own creative processes.
Monetary revenue and creative integrity (00:39:15)
Sen and Qing share their experiences with podcasting expenses, revenue, and their thoughts on maintaining creative integrity in the pursuit of profit.
The persona in podcasting (00:50:18)
Discussion on how podcast hosts manage the persona they create in their shows and the challenges they face in representing themselves authentically.
Finding your voice (00:51:44)
Exploration of the struggle to convey personality and authenticity in podcasting and the importance of letting one's true self shine through.
Perception and reflection (00:56:52)
Reflection on the process of creating a podcast persona and how the audience's perception and feedback can shape the host's understanding of their own offering.
The worst interview experiences (00:59:34)
Podcast hosts share their worst moments in podcasting, including long-winded guests and technical issues.
Dealing with technical issues (01:02:04)
Hosts discuss technical difficulties they encountered, such as empty files and audio quality problems.
Handling haters (01:07:50)
The hosts discuss how they handle negative feedback and haters, viewing it as a sign of success.
The Fear of Criticism (01:08:49)
Discussion about the fear of criticism and hate in the podcasting world, and the importance of not letting it deter you.
Dealing with Haters (01:10:15) The hosts share their experiences with receiving hate and how they handle it, including blocking and ignoring negative comments.
Finding Balance in Interculturalism (01:16:27)
Exploring how people with intercultural backgrounds find balance and acceptance, including embracing their origins and finding supportive communities and role models.
Living Between Cultures (01:20:03)
The speaker discusses the unique opportunity of living between cultures and how it allows individuals to recombine themselves in different ways.
Understanding Ourselves (01:21:41)
The speaker talks about the creative process of understanding who we are and how it is a continuous journey for everyone, especially for those who grow up between cultures.
Community Building and Future Ideas (01:24:36) The speaker invites the audience to write down any questions, workshop ideas, or suggestions for the future of the podcasting community, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and helping each other.