S2 | E10 - "In Progress": The Ever-Evolving Identity of Asian Germans (Live Panel, Podfest Berlin 2023)

Beyond Asian: Stories of the Third Culture

Welcome to the latest episode of the Beyond Asian podcast! We have something truly special in store for you today. This live panel interview takes us on a thought-provoking journey with a panel of 3 Asian-German women at the renowned Pod Fest Berlin, moderated by Sen.
Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of dual cultural identities as our panelists share their personal experiences and insights. From navigating societal and familial expectations to unraveling the complexities of their individual journeys, these incredible women leave no stone unturned.
Through heartfelt storytelling, they shed light on what it feels like to be an outsider and the unique challenges of living between two cultures. Their mixed or multi-ethnic identities have shaped their lives in profound ways, influencing their relationships with their families and the world around them.
But it doesn't stop there! Our panelists also delve into the differences between living in Canada and Germany, offering a fresh perspective on the diverse experiences of Asian communities across the globe. They emphasize the importance of having open conversations to bridge understanding between generations, especially in an era of fragmentation.
So, whether you share the experience of being Asian-German yourself, or you're someone with a similar background, or simply curious about the intricacies of cultural identity, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of stories and experiences that make up the lives of these remarkable individuals.
Tune in now and be a part of this important conversation that reminds us of the power of dialogue and understanding in a world that often feels divided. Let's come together, celebrate our differences, and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.
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Panelists:
Yun Huang: Actor, writer, filmmaker
Nga Orstadius-Bui: Host of Vietkieu2.0 Podcast
Minh-Ha Nguyen: Cultural Researcher
Moderator:
Sen Zhan: Host of Beyond Asian
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Timestamps:

• Introduction and intentionality (00:00:17)
• Exploring the Asian German experience (00:01:24)
• Introducing the panelists (00:02:35)
• The Energy of Conversations (00:11:31)
• Navigating Name Pronunciation (00:12:26)
• Catering to Mainstream Culture (00:14:32)
• The Vietnamese Upbringing (00:22:19)
• Identity Crisis and Cultural Differences (00:23:19)
• Navigating Cultural Contradictions (00:27:22)
• The struggle with parental expectations (00:34:16)
• The process of asserting independence (00:35:57)
• The evolution of relationships with family (00:38:04)
• The Asian German Experience (00:46:59)
• Living in Canada vs. Germany (00:49:02)
• Parents Listening to Podcasts (00:52:26)
• The technical glitch (00:56:22)
• Continuing the conversation (00:56:22)
• Supporting the show (00:57:50)