144 // with Seth Zhai

The Janchi Show

In this week’s episode of your favorite Korean Adoptee podcast, the Janchi Boys sit down with Seth Zhai and talk about his story navigating the intersections of being adopted, gay, and a mental health professional. Seth shares their story of being adopted from Hong Kong to New York by a white mother and father who immigrated from Hong Kong (🤯), being interested in his first family at a very early age (and connecting with them!), and finding their way into the mental health industry. We also talk about his journey of identity formation as a Chinese American while navigating adoptive family with deep roots in Chinese culture AND growing up in the 90's, when Chinese American pop culture was at a high.

Later, we try some snackity-snacks! They are......interesting.

// Meet Seth

Instagram

Resources

A Shape of a Star Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website | Email

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The Janchi Show Quick Bio

We’re three Korean Adoptees spread out around America and each of us are at different stages in life. We’ll talk about the Korean adoptee experience from our perspectives and learn more about our shared culture, usually with food. And it won’t just be the three of us; each week we’ll have other adoptees from all over the world joining us to talk about what makes us similar and what makes us unique. So join the party!

// Meet the Janchi Boys!

Nathan Nowack

Nathan was adopted from Seoul at 5 months old and raised in a small town in Oklahoma by a loving family and non-biological adopted sister. After college in Colorado he later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a digital media career and eventually started 2 photography companies. He has a wife and 3 kids and has reconnected with his biological family in 2014. In 2021, Nathan and his family moved back to Colorado to be closer to family and start a new chapter in their lives.

Connect with Nathan!

Website: http://www.nathannowack.com

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nathann/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/nnowack

Patrick Armstrong

Patrick Armstrong (he/him) is a transracial Korean American adoptee, podcaster, speaker, and community facilitator. He is one of the hosts of the Janchi Show, a podcast that explores and celebrates the experiences and stories of Korean adoptees everywhere. He also is host of Conversation Piece with Patrick Armstrong, a podcast where he discusses the missing pieces of the conversations we’re already having. He is a cofounder of the Asian Adoptees of Indiana, a group dedicated to creating a safe, engaging community for all Asian adoptees who need it. He is currently based in Indianapolis with his wife and cat.

Connect with Patrick!

Website: http://patrickintheworld.me

LinkedIn: http://linkedin/in/patrickarmstrong219

Instagram: http://instagram.com/patrickintheworld

K.J. Roelke

KJ was adopted from Daegu and raised in Dallas, Texas with his two biological, older siblings and his younger sister, adopted from Russia. After spending a decade in the Midwest for college and career, he and his wife are back in Dallas and living large! He has been on his journey of discovery since 2015 and spends his days populating the internet with content.

Connect with K.J.!

Website: https://kjroelke.online/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin/in/kjroelke

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kjroelke

// Listen to/Watch The Janchi Show on all major platforms:

Apple: http://janchishow.com/apple

Spotify: http://janchishow.com/spotify

Youtube: http://janchishow.com/youtube

Creative Director: Michelle Nam

Audio & Video Engineer: K.J. Roelke & Patrick Armstrong

Show Art: Nathan Nowack