Voxcali

It starts getting real when the mike goes on. [Verse 1] I came in with a grin like a fresh-cut frame Gym bag on my shoulder and a name I claim Mirror got proof I been built for a scene Shoulders nice and clean like a magazine dream Shoes tapped fast on the tile backstage I know my good angle I know my next page I don't blink twice when the lens turns near I was born for the spin for the crowd, for the cheer [Pre-Chorus] Pull that light down low let the whole room glow I'm lined up straight and I'm good to go Zoom in slow let the moment show When the red dot hits you already know [Chorus] Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Watch the whole thing peel Stone-cold abs Sterling smile, no fear Mike me up I was made for here Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Now the whole world feel When I walk in the frame leans near Mike me up I was made for here [Verse 2] I want the first shout when the door swings wide Want my laugh on cue and my tears on time Want the messy truth and the gold confetti Want the final cut when they call me steady Breakfast in the sun with my plans in tow Talking big dreams for the cameras below They can watch me climb from the couch to the crown I don’t do background I do breakout sound [Pre-Chorus] Pull that light down low let the whole room glow I'm lined up straight and I'm good to go Zoom in slow let the moment show When the red dot hits you already know [Chorus] Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Watch the whole thing peel Stone-cold abs Sterling smile, no fear Mike me up I was made for here Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Now the whole world feel When I walk in the frame leans near Mike me up I was made for here [Bridge] I want the twist I want the love I want the mess and I rise above If they cut deep I still come clean One young man with a bigger screen [Chorus] Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Watch the whole thing peel Stone-cold abs Sterling smile, no fear Mike me up I was made for here Mike me up I’m ready to get real Mike me up Now the whole world feel When I walk in the frame leans near Mike me up I was made for here

eBaseball PRO SPIRIT 2026 introduces Western audiences to the hyper-realistic world of Japanese professional baseball. The sports gaming landscape is set to expand on July 16th, as eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 launches worldwide for PlayStation 5 and Steam.  Developed by the Japanese game developer Konami, the title continues the Professional Baseball Spirits series’ long-standing focus on providing a hyper-realistic simulation of Nippon Professional Baseball, the highest level of baseball in Japan. This release marks a notable shift in the series' accessibility.  For the first time, the game includes full English-language commentary, as well as Korean language support, broadening its reach beyond the traditional Japanese-language track.  Although the franchise has been a fixture of the market since 2004, the 2026 edition is positioned as a global contender, offering an alternative for players interested in a perspective distinct from typical North American-focused titles. While MLB does not grant exclusive simulation rights to a single developer – unlike the restrictive licensing agreements seen in leagues like the NFL or NBA – there remains a lack of direct challengers to the dominant MLB The Show series.  However, eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 emerges as a significant competitor by offering high-fidelity, realistic baseball gameplay that provides a distinct alternative for simulation enthusiasts, even without a primary focus on the MLB. To get gamers hooked, Konami strategically released a free-to-play version of the title in March – though it lacks the full suite of game modes and authentic, updated rosters found in this comprehensive 2026 edition. Beyond its immediate gameplay, this release may serve as a powerful bridge for the Nippon Professional Baseball league to reach a wider American audience.  As U.S. fans have become increasingly familiar with elite talent crossing the Pacific—led by stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Munetaka Murakami—interest in the Japanese game has reached an all-time high. By putting an authentic, English-accessible simulation into the hands of Western players, eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026 could significantly grow the international fanbase, creating new value for the NPB and cementing its status as a premier destination for world-class baseball.

The 2026 Summer League has become a premier stage for Asian NBA players to showcase their professional potential and elite skill sets. Across the California Classic and into Las Vegas, the 2026 NBA Summer League has become a showcase for the league’s rising talent, which has spotlighted several Asian players. San Antonio shooting guard Hyunjung Lee remains a focal point of intrigue, handling high-usage responsibilities in the Spurs’ system.  Among his standout performances across seven games, he notched a 12-point outing while maintaining an efficiency rating of +15. This year’s number 10 overall pick has already shown himself to be a flamethrower for the Bucks.  Brayden Burries has led Milwaukee in scoring in each of his first three games, scoring 22 points per game while shooting 53% from three.  He’s also been effective on defense with 4 steals and 3 blocks. In the frontcourt, Portland’s 7’1” center Yang Hansen continues to demonstrate remarkable potential.  Last year’s first-round pick has averaged 15 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists through two games, while shooting 67% from the floor. The Hawks’ combo guard Isaiah Wong has shown a polished two-way game that pairs defensive intensity with floor-spacing.  Over his first four games, Wong has recorded 5 total steals and has shot 78% from the 3-point-line. Fan favorite Yuki Kawamura has already captured attention with highlight-reel assists for the Pacers, using his elite court vision to thread needles that leave defenders frozen.  Through three games off the bench, the league’s shortest player has been highly productive, averaging 10 points and 2.7 assists. The Cavaliers have been closely monitoring point guard Xaivian Lee as he makes his transition to the professional stage after playing his final collegiate season at Florida.  The former Princeton standout has progressively been more productive through his three games averaging 5 points and coming up with 2 steals in his last performance. The 2026 Summer League has been a display of the NBA’s growing infusion of Asian talent.

In this geopolitical thriller Jack Tang sets in motion a daring transPacific plot to overturn the existing order as the only way to secure freedom for himself and the woman he loves most deeply. Tom Kagy (00:00.174) Hello, this is Tom Kagy with Unconventional Wisdom. Whether we like it or not, geopolitics is a big part of identity for us Asian Americans. The images Americans have of Asian nations like China, Japan, India, North and South Korea, and Vietnam directly impacts how we're seen by fellow Americans. For some it even impacts their ability to work, travel, and communicate freely, because Asianness combined with links to technology are seen to pose a national security threat. This is the situation faced by Jack Tang, the protagonist of Midnight in Karkorum. My effort at capturing how Pacific Rim tensions exact a high price from civil. Some Asian Americans. Writing it was my entertainment back in the days before streaming TV. You might call Karakorum an Asian American geopolitical fantasy, because its protagonist is trying to untie the Gordian knot of tensions that keep us trapped in a false light at best, and at worst deprive us of the normal freedoms enjoyed by other Americans. Why Karakorum? Some of you might recall that it was the capital of the thirteenth century Mongol Empire, by far history's biggest empire by land area, dwarfing the combined domains of Alexander and Rome. Karakorum was originally just a supply base established in twelve twenty by Genghis Khan. It wasn't until about fifteen years later that That his third son, Ogadai, turned it into a true capital, ordering city walls, a palace, the famous Tumen Amgalan, or Palace of Myriad Tranquility, and permanent buildings built by artisans drawn from conquered lands across Eurasia. At its height under Ogadai, Guyuk and Munkh. Tom Kagy (02:22.567) During around the span of twelve thirty five to twelve sixty, Karakorum became remarkably cosmopolitan, especially for a city built on a mostly barren Mongolian plain and devoid of the resources needed to support its population. To sustain itself, the city needed hundreds of cartloads of deliveries from northern China every day. Karakorum of that day contained mosques, Buddhist temples, even a Nestorian Christian church with quarters for Chinese craftsmen and Muslim merchants, according to the accounts of a twelve fifty four visit by the Flemish friar William of Rubrik. He was especially impressed by the silver fountain built by a captured Parisian goldsmith. It had four separate spouts dispensing wine, mare's milk, mead, And rice wine. For a brilliant three or so decades, Karakorum was the dominant capital of the world. It was the scene of great kurultaies, those are gatherings that drew envoys, even the Pope and various European kings bringing tribute from far flung corners of the empire, like Kiev, and from the East Korea. But the death of Gengis' grandson Mongke in twelve fifty nine set off a succession war between his brothers Kubalai and Ariq Boke. Kubalai, who held northern China, won the war by just starving out Ariq Boke, who held Karakorum and the steppe heartland. After that, Kubalai moved the empire's capital to China, and Karakorum went into swift decline. I don't want to get too caught up with my fascination with Genghis Khan and his progeny except to explain why I chose Karakorum for the title. It was the vulnerable capital of a vast empire, much in the way Washington DC is the capital of an equally vast geopolitical empire, which finds itself in direct competition with China. Why Midnight? Tom Kagy (04:50.544) It connotes lateness of hour and the turning toward a new day. A new day is exactly what Jack Tang needs to secure freedom for himself and for the woman he loves most deeply. From the confinement imposed by the tensions between two powers, both great, but both with vulnerabilities that Tang has taken great pains to learn and exploit. Geopolitics is engrossing and it's very consequential, but it's not exactly fun reading. So I conceived Midnight in Karakorum as a hopefully thrilling joy ride that cross sections the power powers and personalities that preserve the geopolitical tensions across the Pacific. So here then is Midnight in Karakorum Prologue Jack Tang swiveled toward the window and saw mirrored the storm in his own mind.  Black clouds were devouring an unholy sunset.  The roiling darkness cracked, roared, cracked again.  A gust tore leaves off a nearby eucalyptus and slapped them like leeches against the plate glass. Tang closed his eyes and took a ragged breath as he considered for the hundredth time what lay in store for those closest to him.  He shook his head and let the calfskin chair spring upright.  Remorse was a luxury he couldn’t afford.  A vicious game had been forced on him.  He had no choice but to play it on a level they hadn’t expected.  The outcome would reshape the world, but that was merely incidental to securing the safe return of the woman who had given him everything.  Tang’s eyes came open as though seeing her face.  How would it have aged during five long years? The price demanded for her return had been an act of treason against the United States.  Tang had paid it only to be met with more demands.  It hadn’t taken him long to begin seeking a global solution.  Failed statesmanship had separated families and split humanity between glut and privation.  The divisions had been perpetuated by men who coined power from fear and hatred.  Two generations of demagogues had tied Asia into a Gordian knot of petty rivalries and dangerous alliances.  The situation had produced countless victims of which he, Jack Tang, was only one.  Gordian knot.  And hadn’t Gordius himself prophesied that the man who succeeded in untying the knot would rule Asia?  A half-smile tightened Tang’s mouth.  The ancient Greeks—a myth for every occasion! Of course there had been Alexander the Great who had simply cut the knot with his sword.  An arrogant act.  Of course arrogant Alex never did rule Asia. “Tickets will be at the gate, Jack.” Startled out of his reverie, Jack Tang swiveled around as a tall unsmiling woman laid a thick envelope soundlessly on his glass-topped brass desk.  He had always entrusted sensitive tasks to those like Alice Chen who, as a fellow descendant of the northern Chinese Ching clan, could never escape full lifetime accountability.  The ultimate reward for her years of devotion, he blocked from his mind.  She was one of those Tang had already mourned in his heart.  “A limo will pick you up at the other end,” she continued.  “Sure you don’t need a ride?”  “I’m sure,” said Tang, scribbling several lines on a sheet of paper.  He folded it and slid it toward her.  “Goodnight, Alice.” It was time to move on to the non-delegable tasks. Tang picked up the phone, which he knew was tapped, and dialed an overseas number.  Whoever answered said nothing.  “The nightingale sings its ageless song,” said Tang in Korean.  For several seconds he listened intently to the quality of the silence, then quietly hung up.  With a deep sigh Tang picked up the thick envelope, hefted it—hardly adequate for what it was purchasing—slippped it into his black silk jacket and got to his feet.  At 6-2 he was unusually tall, like many men of the Ching clan.  His elegance of form and movement impressed those who expected Asians to be stubby.  His face radiated equal parts intelligence, strength and sensitivity. Jack Tang strode out to the carpeted hallway.  It was six-thirty, but as he had expected, Cyrus Sung was buried behind stacks of papers and a glowing computer terminal.  Sung jumped up with a simpering smile.  Like Tang, Sung was a tall man.  The most visible difference was Sung’s wire-rim spectacles, the wan smile and the slight stoop of his shoulders. “Sit, Cyrus,” Tang commanded, slipping into a chair.  “How’s Mary and the kids?” “Fine, Jack.  She’s looking forward to seeing you at the fundraiser Thursday.”  Sung laughed ingratiatingly. “She’s seen me before,” said Tang, giving his chief financial officer a quick grin that accused and forgave in a single stroke.  “It’s the First Lady she’s looking forward to seeing, you mean.”  Tang knew he was a little too American in the way he cut up smalltalk.  He also knew that his employees idolized him, saw only his success, generosity and debonair, his occasional appearances on society pages.  They knew nothing of that part of his life which, for the past five years, had dominated his every waking thought.  “Her too,” Cyrus Sung admitted with a laugh.  “You know women.” “A great wife like Mary deserves a little champagne and a new dress from time to time, Cyrus.  And those handsome little boys of yours.  Here,” said Tang, taking out two hundred-dollar bills and stuffing them into Sung’s hands.  “Stop by the toy store on your way home and buy them something nice from Uncle Jack.  Don’t forget now, because I’ll ask them the next time I see them.” “No, no, Jack,” Sung protested though he knew it was useless.  “You already gave them so much for Christmas.” “Don’t deny a childless uncle this small pleasure.” “Who’s stopping you from having your own family, Jack?” “Never found a woman who’ll have me.”  “Don’t talk foolish, Jack,” said Cyrus.  “There must be a line of them.” “I don’t see one,” insisted Tang.  He reached into his pocket and taking out his car keys.  “Do me a favor, Cyrus.  I’m going to the airport tonight and don’t want to leave my 850 there overnight.” “Sure thing.”  Sung jumped up and took some keys out of his black suit trousers.  “It’s just a Chevy Blazer, you know with kids and all...” “I get the message, Cyrus, you want another raise,” said Tang, grabbing the keys and slapping his chief financial officer on the back as Cyrus raised a wounded protest. In his office Tang opened a black leather briefcase identical to the one he had given Cyrus Sung for Christmas.  It contained a pair of wire-rimmed glasses identical to Cyrus’s.  Tang slipped them on, grabbed the briefcase and stooped his shoulders before hurrying toward the entrance.  “‘Night, Mr Sung,” said Jesse, the African American security guard. Tang gave him a weak smile and a jerky wave as he hurried by.  As always Cyrus’s black Blazer was parked in the reserved space next to Tang’s white BMW 850i.  Without a glance at his own car Tang pressed the Blazer’s remote key, reached across to drop the briefcase on the passenger seat and stepped into the driver’s seat.  As he pulled out and turned onto the street, he checked the rearview mirror to make sure the blue-gray Corolla parked down the street wasn’t following.  For a mile Tang traced the route Cyrus would take.  Satisfied that he hadn’t been tailed, he pulled off the wirerims and made several quick turns.  A half hour later he drove into a quiet tree-lined Danville neighborhood and, despite the rain, parked in a dark stretch a half block from the cobbled walkway of a beautiful two-story Mediterranean set behind a Spanish garden meant to be enjoyed only by the gardener.  The house had cost Tang a million dollars cash. The tall white door was opened by a Chinese woman with beautiful eyes, long and luminous under exquisite eyebrows.  An indefinable air of tragedy permeated every feature of her flawlessly white face, adding to their beauty but robbing them of any trace of the joy normally associated with beauty.  Her face had figured in a thousand dreams, Tang knew.  Maybe it would return to haunt his own nightmares. “Come in.”  The woman’s words rang with a silence that belied the fleeting upturn of the lips.  The living room was now well and expensively furnished.  Only the best would do for this woman and her family. “How is Emily?” said Tang. “She’s doing very well, all A’s,” the woman said.  “She’s the top student in her class.  She’s number one on her tennis team.”  The tragedy in the woman’s eyes didn’t mask the pride.  “And Nancy is doing very well too, all A’s.  She just gave her first recital.  Jason is strong and healthy.  He’s starting nursery school next week.”  The woman came close to smiling as she spoke of the boy who had never seen his father. “He will be very proud.”  Tang cleared his throat.  ”And you?” The woman shrugged, bit her lip.  “I’m just trying my best.” Tang nodded, letting his silence pay tribute to her sacrifice.  “He misses you all very much.  He’s looking forward to seeing all of you.” “When will that be?” Her eyes wavered between hope and fear.  “I can’t say yet.”  By the time Tang summoned the will to meet her gaze, she had sensed his evasion and was avoiding his eyes.  He fought the urge to hurry out, away from this tragic woman and her tragic family. “And how is his mother?” said Tang.  Despite his resolve, he found himself moved.  Who knew better than he the ties between a mother and her son? The woman seemed at a loss for words.  Before she could speak, Tang heard slippered feet rushing down the spiral staircase.  It was the old woman.  She was dressed in flannel pajamas, her white hair as wild as the look on her wrinkled face.  “Where is my son?” she screamed in Mandarin.  “What are you doing to my son?”  Her words broke into hysterical, disjointed syllables.  She was halfway down when a tall teenage girl caught her and tried to pull her back up.  “Tell him I must see him before I die!” “My mother has been ill,” said her daughter-in-law.  “This is not good for her.”  Her eyes were fixed on the carpet. As he rose Tang laid the thick envelope on the coffee table. “The United States government appreciates your family’s sacrifice.” “We don’t want that dirty blood money!” screamed the old woman.  Unable to free herself, she spat.  A few drops wet Tang’s face.  They felt like acid in Tang’s mind. “Wait.”  The wife grabbed Tang’s sleeve as he bowed and turned to leave.  “Please give him this.”  She handed him a plain manila envelope. Tang took it without meeting her eyes.  He was grateful for the rain.  He wiped a hand across his face, impatient to wash off the burning of the old woman’s spit.  Inside the Blazer he took a bracing breath and willed himself to shake off the morbid thoughts.  He was doing everything in his power for that family.  But time was running out.  This is the darkness that will usher in the dawn, Jack Tang reminded himself as he shifted into gear and accelerated into the rain.

Yul Kwon made history as the first Asian American to win Survivor, then later used his voice to inspire the Asian community and extend his legacy far beyond reality TV.  In 2006 Yul Kwon arrived on the beaches of the Cook Islands to compete on the 13th season of Survivor, while also representing the Asian American community on reality TV. Kwon was born in Queens, New York in 1975 to South Korean immigrant parents. When Kwon was six, his family moved to Concord, California, where he excelled in academics. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school and went on to attend Stanford University to graduate with a degree in Symbolic Systems. Kwon then earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and began building an impressive resume across law, business, and government. He worked as a judicial clerk on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and served as a legislative aide to Senator Joseph Lieberman in Washington, D.C. Kwon later began management consulting at McKinsey & Company before joining Google’s business strategy team, which is where he currently serves as the VP of Paradigms of Intelligence. Yul Kwon’s life completely changed in 2006 after joining CBS’s Survivor: Cook Islands. This season specifically brought forth major controversy because of the division of contestants into tribes based on ethnicity. While this decision was heavily criticized by viewers, Kwon used it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and provide positive Asian representation on national TV screens. During his time on the show, he was a fan favorite due to his strategic game play and leadership, ultimately becoming the very first Asian American winner of Survivor. After Survivor, Kwon wanted to continue to serve as a voice for the Asian community and worked as a CNN special correspondent covering issues affecting Asian Americans. He later became the host of Link TV’s LinkAsia and then in 2020, Kwon returned to CBS to compete on Survivor: Winners at War along with nineteen other former Survivor winners. Aside from national TV, Kwon has also launched campaigns that encourage Asian Americans to register as bone marrow donors after losing a close friend to leukemia. He has also raised awareness about diversity in media, the “bamboo ceiling” in corporate America and increasing Asian American representation in leadership positions. Not only did Yul Kwon succeed on one of America’s biggest reality competition shows, he managed to remain authentically himself and helped expand what Asian American representation looks like in the new generation of reality TV.

Over 200 years ago, two conjoined twin brothers from Siam forever changed how people understood their condition. Most people have heard the phrase “Siamese twins”, but did you know its origins come from a story of two conjoined brothers from Thailand? Chang and Eng Bunker were born as conjoined twin brothers on May 11, 1811 to a Chinese family in Siam, which is now known as Thailand. They were joined at the chest by a band of tissue that connected to their livers and the brothers became famous during the 19th century, giving rise to the phrase “Siamese twins”. While the term is considered synonymous for conjoined twins all over the world, medical professionals stick with “conjoined twins” due to accuracy and respectfulness. When Chang and Eng were first born, there was very little known information about conjoined twins and many people viewed them with fear and superstition, while doctors saw a rare opportunity to learn more. Even with all the public attention they received, Chang and Eng still grew up living ordinary lives in Siam, helping their family fish and raise ducks, until everything changed in 1829 when a Scottish merchant Robert Hunter learned about the twins and made an effort to capitalize. Chang and Eng were only seventeen years old when they agreed to travel West with Hunter and his crew, arriving in Boston in August 1829. The agreement? The twins would be "exhibited to the public”. Their arrival was reported in newspapers and crowds would flock to see the brothers, just out of pure curiosity. After seeing Chang and Eng, their intelligence and athleticness stood out completely and audiences were fascinated by their capability of living active and independent lives despite being connected physically. The brothers toured throughout the U.S. and Europe, eventually leaving their manager and taking control of their own exhibitions. After years of traveling, they retired from the exhibition life and settled in North Carolina where they became naturalized U.S. citizens, adopted the surname Bunker, and purchased multiple farms and plots of land. In 1843, Chang and Eng married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates and fathered 21 children together, sticking to alternating schedules so the brothers could spend time with both families. Chang and Eng found success in America and remained conjoined until their deaths in January 1874 at the age of 62 when Chang passed away from a stroke and Eng just a few hours later. Their autopsy would later lead to one of the earliest and most important medical studies regarding conjoined twins and has helped advance doctors’ understanding of the condition, cementing the remarkable story of Chang and Eng Bunker as an enduring part of history.

Haeran Ryu captured her second consecutive major title at the Evian Championship while Tom Kim secured his first victory in three years at the Genesis Scottish Open. South Korean LPGA star Haeran Ryu claimed her second consecutive major title at the Amundi Evian Championship this weekend.  She fired a 60 in the third round to set the pace, before securing victory in a sudden-death playoff over Brooke Henderson.  Ryu finished at -19, earning $1.4 million.  Asian golfers rounded out the top five with Aki Iwai in third place, while Jin Hee Im, Miyu Yamashita, and Mao Saigo tied for fourth. At the Genesis Scottish Open, 24-year-old Tom Kim captured his first championship in three years with a -17 finish, taking home nearly $1.6M.  The Korean was elite down the stretch, utilizing a bogey-free fourth round to secure the win by two strokes.  Korean Australian Min Woo Lee followed in second place, while Japanese golfer Keita Nakajima tied for third. The highly anticipated UFC 329 in Las Vegas ended in an anticlimactic fashion.  The main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway lasted only 69 seconds before the contest was stopped due to a knee injury sustained by McGregor on his opening kick, resulting in a TKO victory for Holloway. Vinod Khosla and his family have reached a formal agreement to purchase the Seattle Seahawks in a historic deal valued at $9.6 billion, setting a new record for an NFL franchise sale.  Khosla currently owns a 3.1% minority stake of the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers, which he will be required to sell pending approval of the Seahawks’ acquisition.  Khosla is among several Asian NFL owners including Jaguars’ principal owner Shahid Khan, and Dolphins’ minority owner Lin Bin.

Before finding fame in XO, Kitty, Gia Kim built a career as a news reporter and navigated a global upbringing. This April’s third season premiere of XO, Kitty on Netflix officially established Gia Kim’s professional screen career, effectively launching her out of relative obscurity and into the mainstream.  As a central figure in the hit To All the Boys spin-off series, Kim anchors primary cast member Yuri Han across 26 episodes. Before her major commercial television breakthrough, Kim pursued a completely different path in front of the camera.  She completed her bachelor’s degree in journalism and music at the University of Hong Kong in 2015, going on to work as a news reporter for Arirang Newsroom in South Korea and anchoring broadcast stints in New York and Beijing. Driven to pivot toward her artistic dream of performing, she relocated to Los Angeles in 2019 to formally train at the Art of Acting Studio.  Her only other screen acting credit prior to her breakout role is in an independent short film. The 33-year-old Korean actress was born in Seoul, but grew up moving between South Korea, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, where she attended international schools. Kim’s rising industry profile is set to expand significantly into Hollywood studio features with high-profile upcoming projects, most notably joining the ensemble cast of K-Pop: The Debut.  The pending coming-of-age musical drama, co-produced by Paramount Pictures and HYBE America, is scheduled for release in early 2027 and marks a major milestone as one of the first major studio features to shoot entirely on location in South Korea.

Growing up Asian American in Los Angeles isn't a one-size-fits-all experience, so in this episode I opened up about what it was like growing up Vietnamese and Chinese in the San Fernando Valley, where Asians made up only a small part of my community. Kelli (00:00) Hi everyone, my name is Kelli and welcome to the Goldsea Podcast. Today I'm going to be talking about my experience growing up as an Asian American in Los Angeles, California. Usually, when people think about Asian Americans here in LA, they usually picture the San Gabriel Valley, Koreatown, Little Tokyo. If you think about just SoCal in general, a lot of people just think about Anaheim or Irvine, but I didn't grow up in any of those places. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where Asians make up only 11% of the population. Looking back, I didn't realize how much that this shaped my identity until I became an adult. So I'm going to be discussing a little bit about my culture and the difference that I have noticed in growing up in the San Fernando Valley versus Asians that I have met that have grown up somewhere else. My parents immigrated here after the Vietnam War at a very young age. My mom was six years old, and my father was 13 or 14 when he came here. My mom is full Vietnamese and my dad is Chinese but was born in Vietnam. Both of my parents went through their own struggles getting to America. My mom was separated on a boat with her three younger siblings from their parents, and it so happened that they ended up all meeting on the same island together. And my dad his family in Vietnam had built their own private boat to escape in, and was eventually attacked by pirates on their journey here to America. I've always known these stories, but it wasn't until After I was around 21 years old, where I was genuinely realizing how different my life was compared to my parents. And it I had once I got older, I had more of an understanding of how much pressure and how much hardship it really took for my parents to get here. So when they arrived, they settled in the San Fernando Valley and they And they had to transition into American culture because of how young they were. My mom and her brothers attended a Christian school called Faith Baptist in West Hills. And they lived in a very cute family-style home. Right in the middle of the San Fernando Valley. So I would say my mom is definitely a valley girl and that transitioned over to me because I am definitely a valley girl. I love the San Fernando Valley. I don't like going out of the San Fernando Valley. I'm very comfortable here. I don't like driving far. One thing about the valley though is that there's not that many Asians here. There are Asians in the San Fernando Valley. A lot of them do reside in the Granada Hills and Northridge area. My mom was a teacher and she taught at a very good elementary school in Woodland Hills. So I started off going there and then my middle school was in Encino, Tarzana area, and my high school was in Calabasas, Woodland Hills. The demographic of Asian students at all of the schools that I went to was very, very small. Most of the time I was the only Asian, only Asian student in the class. I remember it being very difficult for me in elementary school to fit in. I spoke Vietnamese up until I was about four years old, five years old. And once I went into kindergarten, that's when it stopped because I started to learn English, I started to have American friends, and my parents never forced me to continue to speak it. My parents were very supportive of me trying to assimilate to American culture. And at the same time, because they came over to America at such a young age, they also had to assimilate to American culture. My parents never forced us to speak to them. My parents never forced us to follow certain Vietnamese traditions. And this was completely okay with me because when I would go to school and I would bring up anything Vietnamese, I'd get Picked on for it. If I brought Vietnamese food to school, I would get laughed at because it smells funny. If I were to wear a Vietnamese dress, I would get laughed at for it. Starting in elementary school, a lot of the students already were coming up to me and slanting their eyes and saying funny things like Chinese, Vietnamese, look at these. And this happened quite often. This was something that happened to me all the time. And this definitely traveled into my middle school years. I again went to an I went to a middle school where there was not that many Asians there as well. The demographic was a lot of Persians and a lot of Israelis, lots of Middle Easterns there. So it was really hard for me to, again, feel like I was comfortable enough to truly be myself. I loved speaking Vietnamese as a child. And once I got into once I got into like the real world, I felt like that it was weird to do that. I felt it was weird to speak Vietnamese. I felt it was weird to talk about my culture and to talk about so many different things that people don't know about because they're obviously not part of my culture and I completely wanted to shut that out in order to make my life outside of my house easier. So since there were not that many Asians, I didn't have many Asian friends growing I noticed that most of my friendships developed with the black and Hispanic classmates. I didn't feel that welcomed with the Middle Eastern classmates because they were always talking about my race and they would always talk about stereotypical things, ask me if I was good at math, or ask me if I ate rice this morning. So I didn't I never felt comfortable whenever I would hang out with the Persian crowd. Middle school definitely taught me how to be strong and hard-headed and not take these kinds of things to heart. But now when I look back at it, it truly, I truly did take these things to heart. These things did hurt me, and these things made me not want to be Asian. These things made me not want to express that side of me. And because my parents weren't forcing the culture on me or telling me that, you know. you shouldn't feel like that. You should be proud of your Asian culture. You should be proud of being Vietnamese. You should be proud of being Chinese. Instead of them telling me that, they tell me to just, you know, like try to be nice to them. Try to be nice to everybody. Try to just fit in. That's kind of what my parents would tell me. So on one end, when I go to school, I feel like I'm not American enough. But the thought of not feeling Asian enough never crossed my mind until I got older. Once society kind of deemed that being racist was not okay, that's when the Asian comments kind of trickled down. People weren't just saying things to me out of nowhere. People weren't coming up to me and slanting their eyes anymore. It still happens, of course. definitely people joke about I hear jokes about it. But what's so funny is I didn't really feel I didn't really realize that I wasn't Asian enough or I didn't feel sad that I wasn't Asian enough until when I got older when Asian culture became more prominent in America. So during COVID, I feel like we all definitely experienced a time where People were looking at us funny because we were Asian, because everyone thought that the Asians brought over the coronavirus. And after COVID, there seemed to be an increase in the popularity of K-pop and K dramas and K-beauty. And so much of American pop culture started to become derived from. From Asian culture. And once that happened, it was suddenly cool to be Asian. Now I feel like that I'm missing out on something. I kind of started to feel like now I don't think I'm going to be accepted by my own people. So I wasn't already, I already wasn't accepted by the other kids that went to my schools, and now I feel like I'm not gonna be accepted by my own people because I'm not speaking Vietnamese fluently, because I completely stopped speaking Vietnamese because the kids in my school would make fun of me if I said something in Vietnamese. My parents were not overly traditional, so they didn't celebrate. Chinese New Year. They didn't eat traditional food every single day. We didn't have we didn't have a little temple shrine in our home like my other family members did. But when I met other Vietnamese Americans in recent years, I've noticed how different their parents are. I realized that a lot of a lot of people from Orange County or the San Gabriel Valley, their parents are much more traditional. And they have completely different upbringings. And I realize that's because they've grown up in that Asian community. With all of the Asians there, you're not getting made fun of. You guys are they're keeping their culture relevant. They are immersed in their culture still because they are growing up with those people. And unfortunately, I wasn't able to do that. So I genuinely feel like I became much more curious about my culture later, which I regret. I wish I could speak Vietnamese fluently and converse. I can only understand it now, Growing up and getting older definitely allowed me to take that step and really make the effort to try and understand my culture more. I've done a lot more research, I've read a lot more, I've watched a lot of different things that taught me about Vietnamese culture and Chinese culture. I've taken the initiative to talk to my family members in Vietnamese now and try to really learn the language. Overall, I feel like all of this is a part of my complete identity journey over the years. I've met so many people and I have made a lot of friends that are not Asian, and I've made friends that are Asian. and being able to talk to all of these other Asian people, I've noticed that a lot of people can resonate with the same story that I have. A lot of Asian Americans specifically we all can relate to a story like this. We all can relate to being laughed at because of our smelly food. we can all relate to losing our language and wanting to relearn it. I think growing up in the San Fernando Valley definitely was a big part of what made me who I am today. I was able to see different perspectives and learn about different cultures and build these diverse friendships that I probably wouldn't have been able to develop if I lived elsewhere. I think that the San Fernando Valley as a whole is kind of like a community itself. And I don't want to say that I missed out. I would just say that I had a very different experience. Being older now, I'm very grateful that I have that urge to want to learn more about my culture and And really the truth is that growing up in the valley gave me a version gave me a version of the Asian American experience that other kids wouldn't have been able to get. It's still authentic. today I am still trying to relearn Vietnamese, trying to relearn all the stories that I may have missed out on before, but now I just feel like I'm more reconnecting with a part of myself that was always there. But I'm older and smarter now, and I can understand it just a little bit better.

Despite a population of 1.4 billion, India remains absent from the World Cup due to fractured development, rigid academics, and restrictive nationality laws. It is a profound demographic paradox: within a population of 1.4 billion people, the Indian men’s national football team has never once stepped onto a World Cup pitch.  While the nation’s cricketers enjoy religion-like worship, Indian soccer remains mired in a state of perpetual underachievement, leaving observers to wonder – how can the world’s most populous country remain completely invisible on the world’s largest sporting stage? In 1950, India earned a spot at the World Cup in Brazil by default, after the other Asian qualifying nations dropped out.  However, the fledgling nation, barely three years removed from Independence, faced staggering logistical challenges and prohibitive travel costs.  Rather than exhausting its treasury on a distant tournament whose future prestige was not yet understood, the All India Football Federation prioritized its resources for the Olympic games.  A persistent myth claims India backed out because FIFA banned barefoot play, but the reality was simpler: administrative cold feet and a strategic miscalculation that cost the country its best chance to build long-term momentum. In the modern era, the domestic ecosystem remains heavily fractured. The AIFF has historically struggled to implement a cohesive, nationwide developmental blueprint, leaving true grassroots pathways virtually nonexistent.  To maximize limited resources, the federation hyper-focuses its scouting on a few historic, football-mad strongholds like West Bengal, Kerala, and the Northeast.  While these pockets provide a rare refuge from India’s ubiquitous cricket mania, they represent a fraction of the country.  The Northeast, for instance, holds less than 4% of India’s population yet routinely supplies over a third of its professional soccer players.  By relying almost entirely on these isolated regional pipelines to keep the sport alive, the federation effectively blindfolds itself to talent across the rest of the subcontinent. Furthermore, unlike cricket – where an unheralded rookie can secure a base salary in the Indian Premier League that exceeds nearly ten times the average annual income in India – soccer lacks the financial incentives to convince risk-averse families to gamble on an athletic future. While elite American high school athletes often leverage sports to secure university scholarships, India’s meritocracy hinges entirely on hyper-competitive standardized testing.  The gatekeepers to a stable livelihood are the grueling board exams and central engineering and medical entrance tests like the IIT-JEE – an exam where over 1.5 million students compete for roughly 18,000 seats, yielding an acceptance rate under 1.2%, which makes Ivy League admissions look forgiving.  Facing these staggering mathematical odds, intense societal and familial pressure routinely compels the country’s most physically gifted teenagers to completely abandon the pitch by age 15, trading their cleats for full-time tutoring centers. Compounding this internal talent drain is a strict legal barrier regarding nationality.  In the modern soccer landscape, international success is increasingly defined by tapping into a global diaspora.  India, however, is locked out of this talent pool because it strictly prohibits dual citizenship.  This policy strands overseas talent like Hearts midfielder Yan Dhanda, an English-born professional of Indian heritage who has openly expressed a desire to play for the Blue Tigers but is legally barred unless he renounces his British passport.  By enforcing this legal rigidity, the nation completely isolates its national team from world-class coaching environments overseas, trapping Indian football beneath its own structural shortcomings.

This moving Japanese folk tale about Kaguya-hime, the tiny girl found by a poor woodcutter, is said to explain the creation of Mount Fuji. Long, long ago, in a quiet village at the edge of a whispering bamboo forest, there lived an old bamboo cutter and his wife. They were kind people. Their house was small, their meals were simple, and their days were quiet. Every morning, the old man took his little hatchet and basket and went into the green bamboo grove, where the tall stalks swayed and clicked softly in the wind. Click, click, hush, hush, went the bamboo. One morning, as sunlight slipped between the leaves, the old man saw something strange. Deep inside the grove, one bamboo stalk was glowing. Not bright like the sun. Not sharp like fire. It glowed softly, like moonlight resting in a cup. “Well now,” whispered the old man, “what could this be?” He stepped closer. The bamboo shone more warmly, as if it were happy to see him. Very carefully, he cut the stalk open. And inside, nestled in the hollow of the bamboo, was a tiny little girl. She was no bigger than his thumb, wrapped in light, with a face as calm and beautiful as the moon. The old man gasped, then smiled. “Oh, little one,” he said gently, “you must be a gift from heaven.” He carried her home in his sleeve, walking slowly so she would not be jostled. When his wife saw the tiny child, her eyes filled with tears. “We have no child,” she whispered. “Perhaps she has come to be ours.” So they cared for her tenderly. They made her a soft bed. They warmed her tiny hands. They spoke to her in soft voices. And soon, as magical children sometimes do in old stories, she began to grow. By the next day, she was the size of a baby. Soon after, she was a laughing little girl. Before long, she had grown into a young maiden of such grace and beauty that people came from distant villages just to catch a glimpse of her. Her parents named her Kaguya-hime, the Shining Princess. But to the old bamboo cutter and his wife, she was not just a princess. She was their child. Every day after that, when the old man went into the bamboo grove, he found gold hidden inside the glowing stalks. Not too much all at once, but enough to make their little house comfortable and warm. Soon they had fine robes, soft cushions, good food, and a home where lamps glowed sweetly in the evening. Still, Kaguya-hime’s favorite place was not among fine things. She loved to sit by the window at night and look up at the moon. Sometimes her mother would find her there, quiet and thoughtful. “Are you cold, my child?” her mother would ask. “No, Mother,” Kaguya-hime would say softly. “Are you sad?” Kaguya-hime would smile, but her eyes would stay on the silver moon. “I don’t know,” she would answer. “Sometimes the moon feels very far away. And sometimes it feels very near.” As Kaguya-hime grew more beautiful, five great noblemen came to ask for her hand in marriage. They wore grand robes and spoke grand words. Each one promised to make her happy. But Kaguya-hime did not wish to marry any of them. So she gave each nobleman an impossible task. One was told to bring her a shining stone bowl from the Buddha’s own country. Another was sent to find a jeweled branch from a faraway island. Another had to bring a robe made from the fur of a fire-rat, which could never burn. Another was asked for a jewel from a dragon’s neck. The last was sent to find a magical shell treasured by swallows. The noblemen bowed and boasted and hurried away. But impossible things are not easily found. Some tried to trick her. Some became frightened. Some gave up. And one by one, they all failed. Kaguya-hime remained at home with her mother and father, where the bamboo whispered outside and the moon rose each night above the roof. Even the Emperor heard of her beauty and kindness. He sent letters written on fine paper. Then he came himself to see her. When he saw Kaguya-hime, he understood at once that she was unlike anyone in the world. “Come to my palace,” he said gently. “You will be honored there.” But Kaguya-hime lowered her eyes. “Your Majesty,” she said, “you are gracious. But I cannot go.” The Emperor was disappointed, but he was not cruel. He admired her heart, and in time they wrote letters to each other, like two friends speaking across a quiet stream. Then came autumn. The nights grew cooler. The grasses silvered with dew. The moon became rounder and brighter. And Kaguya-hime began to weep. Her mother found her one evening with tears on her cheeks. “My child,” she cried, gathering her into her arms, “tell me what troubles you.” The old bamboo cutter hurried in too, his face full of worry. Kaguya-hime held their hands. “Dear Father. Dear Mother,” she said. “I have kept a sorrow in my heart. I am not from this world. I came from the Moon Palace, and on the night of the full moon, the people of the moon will come for me. I must return.” Her mother began to cry. “No,” said the old man. “You are our daughter. I found you. We raised you. We love you.” “And I love you,” said Kaguya-hime, and now her tears fell faster. “That is why leaving hurts so much.” The old man went to the Emperor and told him everything. The Emperor sent guards to surround the house on the night of the full moon. They stood at the gates, on the roof, in the garden, and along the bamboo grove. “No one shall take our princess,” they said. But the moon rose. Round and bright and silent. A silver path of light poured down from the sky. Then heavenly beings descended, dressed in robes that shimmered like mist. Their faces were calm, and their steps made no sound. The guards lifted their bows, but their hands grew soft and heavy. Their eyes closed as if they had suddenly remembered a lullaby. No sword could stop moonlight. No gate could keep out the sky. The heavenly attendants came to Kaguya-hime. “It is time,” they said. Her mother clung to her. Her father trembled. Kaguya-hime knelt before them. “Thank you for loving me,” she whispered. “Thank you for every meal, every blanket, every kind word, every ordinary day. Those were the treasures I loved best.” She gave them a letter, and she gave another letter to the Emperor, along with a small vial of the elixir of everlasting life. Then the moon people placed a feather robe around her shoulders. The moment it touched her, her earthly sorrow began to fade, as dreams fade when morning comes. But before it vanished completely, Kaguya-hime turned back one last time. Her parents saw her face glowing in the moonlight. And they knew she loved them still. Up she rose, higher and higher, along the shining path, until she became a small bright figure in the sky. Then a shimmer. Then a memory. The old bamboo cutter and his wife held each other and wept. Far away, the Emperor read her letter. He looked at the vial of everlasting life, but he did not drink it. “What use is living forever,” he said, “if the one I remember has gone beyond my reach?” So he ordered the letter and the elixir to be carried to the highest mountain in the land, the mountain closest to heaven. There, they burned them, and the smoke rose up, up, up toward the moon. Some people say that mountain came to be called Fuji, and that the smoke from its peak once carried human longing into the sky. And some nights, when the moon is full and gentle, parents still point to it and whisper: “Look carefully. Perhaps Kaguya-hime is there, watching over the bamboo groves, remembering the old man and the old woman who loved her as their own.” Then the bamboo outside goes click, click, hush, hush. And the moonlight rests softly on the sleeping world.

Scouts are zeroing in on the unique skill sets of Jarren Advincula, Mulivai Levu and Rintaro Sasaki who have had high-stakes career paths ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, scouts are closely evaluating a talented pool of collegiate prospects hoping to secure their future at the professional level. Georgia Tech second baseman Jarren Advincula has emerged as a potential “dark horse” for the first round.  After transferring from Cal, the Filipino American standout put together a stellar 2026 campaign, batting .434 with 111 hits and a .494 on-base percentage.  While the Santa Clara native’s power is limited, his elite speed and disciplined plate approach make him a compelling prospect, with some projections pegging him as a high-value selection. Huntington Beach native and UCLA first baseman Mulivai Levu has made a name for himself during his three collegiate seasons.  After a standout sophomore season that included finishing second in RBIs, a Gold Glove, and Third Team All-American honors, the Samoan and Tongan talent elevated his stock further this spring with a .340 batting average and 18 home runs.  His performance at the Draft Combine highlighted a well-rounded offensive toolkit, proving he can drive the ball to all fields. The draft also features a uniquely multifaceted situation in Stanford’s Rintaro Sasaki.  A Japanese high school legend who shattered the national record with 140 career home runs, Sasaki has transitioned his power to the collegiate game, hitting 16 homers this past season as a sophomore with an impressive .952 OPS.  The first baseman’s immense raw power was on full display at the Draft Combine, where he recorded a 115.4 mph exit velocity.  However, because he was previously drafted in 2025 by the NPB’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, his path to the majors is at a crossroads; he must choose between entering the MLB Draft, signing in Japan, or returning to Stanford for another season.

She's an independent city girl who doesn't need anyone but will consider a handsome young CEO of a glamorous company. [Verse 1] I’m fine on my own I pay my own rent I cross this big town Like I meant what I said I do not need saving I’m good in my jeans But I still watch K-dramas And start believing in scenes [Pre-Chorus] Then you walked in Like trouble in silk So cool it was rude I almost lost my blink One look, one smile My plan fell apart I said I was done Then you hit my heart [Chorus] I want a K-drama love Hot suit, soft eyes I want a K-drama love That hits me by surprise You run that empire I talk too fast I said “I’m independent” But I want this bad K-drama love K-drama love (oh, I want it) K-drama love K-drama love (come and get me) [Verse 2] You knew all my coffee My favorite wrong day You sent me one message And stole my whole face Your driver was waiting My heels were a mess You laughed like a headline I said “yeah, I’m impressed” I’m not usually sweet I do not blush first But you looked at me once And the whole room reversed [Pre-Chorus] Then you came close No script, no cue Just one little “stay” And I folded in two I rolled my eyes I played it cool But baby, I’m weak For a handsome fool [Chorus] I want a K-drama love Hot suit, soft eyes I want a K-drama love That hits me by surprise You run that empire I talk too fast I said “I’m independent” But I want this bad K-drama love K-drama love (oh, I want it) K-drama love K-drama love (come and get me) [Bridge] Maybe I’m cliché Maybe that’s fine I want a slow turn Under neon signs You say my name Like you know the end And I, tough girl me Want to believe again [Final Chorus] I want a K-drama love Hot suit, soft eyes I want a K-drama love That makes me lose my mind You run that empire I’m falling fast I said “I’m independent” But I want this bad K-drama love K-drama love (so cinematic) K-drama love K-drama love (you’re my favorite)

After a five-year hiatus, Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon to face fan favorite Max Holloway in a high-stakes Las Vegas main event. On July 11th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 329 is headlined by a massive rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.   This bout marks McGregor’s return after a five-year hiatus, his last appearance being the 2021 trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.  Conversely, the Hawaiian fan favorite, who recently graced the cover of the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports UFC 6, remains a pillar of the division despite dropping his most recent outing. Their paths first crossed in 2013 on a preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 26, where a younger McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory despite suffering a knee injury during the fight.  The pay of that fight early in their careers reflected their status as rising prospects, with McGregor taking home $24,000 while Holloway earned just $14,000.  Today, the stakes are exponentially higher. McGregor is estimated to make eight figures – a payday sufficient to draw him out of retirement – while Holloway is projected to earn over $1 million. The betting landscape reflects the long layoff, with Holloway pegged as the clear favorite at -240.   Demand is equally intense, with ticket prices starting at $1,200 for upper-level seating. Holloway’s pathway to victory relies on his relentless, high-volume pressure and superior conditioning, aiming to overwhelm the Irishman in the later rounds.  For McGregor, the path remains his signature precision; he must land his legendary counter-left hand early to secure a knockout before his cardio becomes a liability. Holloway enters this bout looking to bounce back following a tough decision loss at UFC 326, while providing a rude welcome back to one of the most popular names in UFC history.  McGregor, meanwhile, carries the pressure of a massive payday and the need to prove that his power still translates to the top of the division.  The MMA world waits to see if the “Notorious” icon can recapture his former glory or if the pride of Hawaii will finally secure the redemption he has chased for thirteen years.

Before hosting the wedding of manga royalty, Naoko Takeuchi and Yoshihiro Togashi each transformed the industry with iconic stories that continue to inspire fans around the world. Separately, Naoko Takeuchi and Yoshihiro Togashi are two names that come up when it comes to conversations about legendary anime creators, but together, they are considered one of Japanese entertainment’s most accomplished married couples. Naoko Takeuchi is the creator of Sailor Moon, a magical girl anime series that has inspired generations of fans all over the world. Yoshihiro Togashi is best known for Yu Yu Hakusho in the early 1990s and Hunter x Hunter in the late 1990s, two series that have defined the shōnen genre. Takeuchi and Togashi have sold over 250 million manga copies, ranking them amongst the best-selling manga creators of all time. Takeuchi was born in Kofu, Japan in 1967 and before pursuing a career in manga, she attended the Kyoritsu College of Pharmacy where she earned a degree in chemistry. She debuted as a manga artist at Japan’s largest publishing company in the late 1980s, allowing her science background to influence her ideas. It wasn’t until 1991 when Takeuchi published Sailor Moon, where she blended magic, romance, and action into a series that became a worldwide phenomenon. Sailor Moon sold over 46 million copies internationally across 40 countries, introducing anime to non-Japanese audiences for the very first time. Meanwhile, Yoshihiro Togashi was born in 1966 and had already been making his name known as one of Weekly Shōnen Jump's biggest stars with his series Ten de Shōwaru Cupid. He later began gaining even more recognition with Yu Yu Hakusho in 1990. This show follows the life of teenage delinquent Yusuke Urameshi after his unexpected death and became a defining anime of the 1990s. Yu Yu Hakusho sold over 50 million copies and still remains as one of the most beloved action series ever made. In 1998, Togashi launched Hunter x Hunter, a complex series that is praised for its strategic battles and unpredictable characters. Even though Togashi suffered chronic back pain while developing the series, leading to frequent hiatuses throughout the show, Hunter x Hunter still has sold over 84 million copies, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest manga creators. The pair got married in January 1999 after being introduced to one another in 1997 at a party hosted by fellow manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara. Fans referred to the wedding as the “marriage of manga royalty” and although both have continued to pursue their careers separately, they have both openly supported each other’s work behind the scenes. Today Takeuchi and Togashi’s influence extends far beyond Japan, inspiring millions of anime lovers all over the world. Sailor Moon, Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter have continued to attract new audiences over the years through streaming platforms, live action movies, and merchandise releases. Whether it's Usagi Tsukino fighting for love and justice, or Yusuke Urameshi giving his all to protect the Human World, their stories continue to resonate with fans and generations around the globe.

As Naomi Osaka and Alexandra Eala thrill fans on the grass courts, Shohei Ohtani leads All-Star voting and Miki Sudo captures another victory. At Wimbledon, London’s pristine grass courts have once again become the stage for elite women’s singles underdog performances.  Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala captivated fans by upsetting #3 seed Iga Swiatek in a hard-fought third-round clash, a stunning feat reminiscent of her victory over the same opponent at last year’s Miami Open.  Though Eala’s magical run ended in the subsequent round against Jasmine Paolini, the upset signaled that the 21-year-old is primed to continue her ascent.  Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka stunned the #1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round – securing her first victory over the powerhouse in eight years – en route to her first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal.  She is joined in the final eight by Korean American Jessica Pegula, who, riding the momentum of two singles titles this year, remains in pursuit of her first major championship. Back in the States, tradition met dominance once again on the Fourth of July.  Japanese American competitive eating legend Miki Sudo asserted her supremacy at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, claiming her 12th consecutive title in the women’s division by consuming 38.75 hot dogs in 10 minutes, further cementing her legendary status in Coney Island. Lineups for this year’sMLB All-Star Game – on July 14th in Philadelphia – were just announced. To no one’s surprise, Shohei Ohtani led the league in All-Star voting as a designated hitter with over 3.3 million votes.  No word yet on whether he will participate in the Home Run Derby. The roster selection process did spark some controversy.  Chicago White Sox rookie sensation Munetaka Murakami was notably excluded from the All-Star squad, despite a blistering start that saw him blast 20 home runs in just 57 games.  A hamstring injury has sidelined the slugger for five weeks, likely costing him an All-Star nod.  Murakami is set to begin his rehab assignment on Monday with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights; possibly returning before the midsummer break.

The Philippines is home to a growing beauty industry and these three brands have become household names across the country with affordable and accessible makeup that has been designed with Southeast Asian consumers in mind. When it comes to Asian beauty, most people think about Japanese or Korean brands, but the Philippines also has a thriving beauty industry of its own and here are three brands that you should try adding to your routine. Starting off with Coulourette Cosmetics. Nina Ellaine Dizon founded Coulorette in 2015 with a passion for selling affordable lip products on the internet. Since she started, Colourette has grown into one of the most desirable homegrown Filipino beauty brands, being best known for its inclusive skin ranges specifically designed for Southeast Asian skin tones. One of their most popular products is the Colourtint because of its versatility as a lip, cheek, and eye tint. Colourette is still expanding its makeup line today and has been able to build up a loyal community and following on its social media platforms. Next up is Vice Cosmetics, founded by Filipino television host Vice Ganda in 2017. From the start, Ganda’s mission has always been about making high-quality makeup affordable, while promoting inclusivity for every skin tone and every identity. Vice Cosmetics has a line of every makeup product from blushes, to foundations, to eyebrow pencils and has become one of the most well known brands in the Philippines. Vice can be found in hundreds of retail locations across the country, but beauty enthusiasts in the U.S. have discovered Vice Cosmetics and are now ordering shipments to their doorstep, contributing to the brand’s annual revenue that is estimated between $1 and $5 million. Finally we have BLK Cosmetics which was founded by actress Anne Curtis, also in 2017. This brand focuses on minimalist, everyday makeup with easy-to-use products for make up lovers on the go. BLK is shaping the future of Filipino beauty as it became popular amongst younger consumers because of their natural and wearable shades. Since launching, BLK has expanded into eye makeup, skincare, and even beauty tools, climbing the ranks as one of the Philippines’ top lifestyle beauty brands. BLK Cosmetics continues to grow online and in retail stores proving that Filipino beauty can compete successfully with bigger, global names, while staying true to tailoring their products for Southeast Asians.

Following a high-profile Coachella set, the Japanese sensation is taking his first English-language album to stadiums across Asia, Europe, and North America. Japanese pop artist Fujii Kaze ushered in a new era of his career with the release of his first English language album, Prema, in September 2025.  The project was highlighted by the singles “Hachikō” and “Love Like This” – songs that helped his third studio album gain significant international traction.  It debuted at number one on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart in the United States. Building on his recent success, Kaze performed across both weekends at Coachella in April.  His sets emphasized the primary influences of his music, including 1970s Japanese pop, modern R&B, and classical piano, and offered a glimpse into the Prema World Tour, which begins in October and is slated for marquee stops at stadiums and arenas throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In early 2024, Kaze released the single “Michiteyuku,” which was featured in the film April Come She Will.  The track reached number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and has since surpassed 350 million streams worldwide, further broadening his global reach. Kaze’s second studio album released in 2022, Love All Serve All, debuted at number one on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and featured the single “Kirari.”  The track stands as his most-watched video on YouTube with over 200 million views and remains his second-most streamed song on Spotify.  The album also included the hit “Matsuri,” which has amassed over 150 million views on YouTube. His first full-length project, Help Ever Hurt Never, arrived in 2020 and peaked at number one in Japan.  The album features his breakout international hit “Shinunoga E-Wa,” which experienced a massive resurgence in late 2022 for trending on social media reels.  The track has now surpassed 1 billion collective plays across Spotify and YouTube and is recognized as one of the most-streamed Japanese songs of all time. Kaze became the first Asian artist to join the Apple Music “Up Next” program in 2023, a reflection of his rising global influence.  He has amassed over 5 million subscribers on YouTube and maintains more than 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Fujii Kaze was born and raised in Satosho, Japan.  His path to musical stardom was forged by his father, who encouraged him to post piano and vocal covers to YouTube starting at age 12.

Small European nations at the World Cup are proving that a sophisticated development infrastructure can overcome the disadvantage of a limited population size on the global soccer stage. As the World Cup intensifies, it is striking to note that nine of the teams remaining in the Round of 32 are European nations with populations of less than 20 million people.  Switzerland, a nation with a population comparable to the Chicago metropolitan area, serves as a prime example, having now reached the knockout stage in five of the last six World Cup tournaments. The history of the sport provides some context for this overachievement.  While FIFA recognizes that the earliest form of the game, known as cuju, was practiced in ancient China, the modern iteration of soccer was codified in England during the 19th century.  This English framework established the professional structures that these European nations have refined over generations.  In these countries, soccer is the primary cultural touchstone, whereas in the United States, athletic talent is fractured across football, basketball, and baseball, and in countries like India or Japan, the sporting landscape is dominated by cricket or baseball, respectively.  Because soccer is the undisputed focus of European nations, academies are meticulously cultivated to produce a higher concentration of elite talent. These nations treat soccer as a precision-engineered industry.  They implement rigorous sports science – such as GPS-based load monitoring, predictive growth analytics to prevent injury, and data-driven periodization – within professional club academies that operate independently of the school system.  For example, Belgium utilized its “Golden Generation” blueprint to overhaul its entire youth system, partnering with universities to mandate uniform tactical philosophies and integrating “Topsport schools” that double a student’s professional contact time.  Furthermore, the dual-nationality advantage allows federations to recruit players from the diaspora whose ancestral heritage traces back to their borders.  This has been instrumental for teams like Croatia, which has utilized these connections to build a formidable squad despite a population of roughly 3.8 million – comparable to the Greater Minneapolis area.  The results of these strategies are undeniable.  In the 2018 World Cup, Belgium – whose population is roughly the size of the Los Angeles metro area – claimed 3rd place, while Croatia secured a runner-up finish. However, the influence of the diaspora works both ways: while European federations recruit players based on ancestral heritage to bolster their own squads, their academy systems also refine stars who eventually choose to represent their nations of origin.  For example, Spanish-raised Achraf Hakimi was developed in Real Madrid’s system before becoming the captain for Morocco, and English-raised Antonee Robinson grew up in Liverpool’s youth setup before committing to the United States. Even as the global soccer ecosystem matures, these exhaustive development systems remain the gold standard in the sport.  By prioritizing technical development and capitalizing on deep-rooted cultural passion, they have transformed their small footprints into exceptional performances on a global stage, demonstrating that excellence is defined by the efficiency of one’s infrastructure rather than population size.

I'd like to make a case that some classic anime has as much literary value as some of the classics. Victor (00:00) After almost a decade of graduating from school, I have decided to read again, particularly classics. Most recently I have picked up the works of Franz Kafka, and as I find myself sifting through it, I've noticed a certain level of discomfort when it comes to reading. Victor (00:29) I mean, this discomfort comes as no surprise given how much stimulation my brain has become accustomed to with the advent of streaming services and short form content via YouTube and Instagram. Reading by comparison is just not as stimulating. And I find myself contending with this discomfort every time. I open my book. Victor (01:04) As I sat down with my discomfort at this slow rate of consumption, I started to recognize this sensation. It's actually very similar to the feeling I get when watching old classic anime from the 90s, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and Serial Experiments Lane. I know as animated Works, people oftentimes assume that these are pieces of media designed for children, but in reality, a lot of classic anime has a level of discomfort built into it similar to reading classic literature. Victor (01:57) Of course, in an anime, there are moving pictures, right? You don't have to take the same amount of mental work to create a picture in your mind from reading the words on the page. But what I found about these classics is they weren't afraid of forcing the viewer to linger on an image. A lot of times in classic work, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion. You would spend 30, 15, sometimes 20 seconds just lingering on one frame, forcing the audience to contend with a much slower pace and to really sit with the atmosphere of the anime and to immerse themselves into the character's thoughts. Victor (02:48) Yes, I do have to acknowledge that the use of stills was often done out of necessity as animating moving images is an expensive process and there was not a lot of money going into these anime studios at the time. However, I think studios like Gynax did a very good job at using still images to enhance the themes and the messages that they were trying to convey. Victor (03:19) As an elder Weaboo, I have witnessed anime start as a low-budget, niche form of entertainment and grow into a multi-billion dollar industry. Every year I'm constantly impressed by what studios are able to produce. And that's a great thing. But with the increased emphasis on spectacle, I can't help but feel that a lot of modern anime Is losing the narrative depth that old classics had. Victor (03:56) One hallmark of classic literature is that it refuses to give us simple answers. Take Dostoevsky's the brothers Karamasov. Every major character represents a competing philosophy of human existence. Ivan wrestles with rationalism and the problem of evil. Alyosha represents faith and compassion, and Dmitri embodies passion and impulse. None of these characters are caricatures, and Dostoyevsky never Simply declares one worldview victorious. Instead, he creates tension between them and asks the reader to wrestle with those ideas personally. Neon Genesis Evangelion operates in almost the same way. At its surface, Neon Genesis Evangelion is about teenagers piloting giant robots to fight aliens. But that is merely set dressing for a story that deals with the ways each character grapples with their need for intimacy. Every major character is trapped by a different wound. Shinji desperately wants acceptance, yet constantly retreats from intimacy out of a fear of rejection. Asuka builds an identity entirely upon achievement because she believes failure makes her unworthy of love. Gendo grieving the loss of his wife, sacrifices every relationship in pursuit of control over loss, even going as far as to alienate his son. Victor (05:33) As the series progresses, each character must grapple with how they have chosen to handle their pain and suffer as a result, all while having to fight against the eldritch horrors referred to as angels. Ano isn't asking whether humanity can defeat monsters. He's asking whether people can ever truly know and understand each other. This idea becomes even clearer through what psychologist Carl Jung calls the shadow. Jung argued that every person hides parts of themselves they cannot accept. Those rejected aspects do not disappear. Instead, they quietly influence behavior from the unconscious. Evangellian constantly visualizes this process. Characters aren't fighting angels nearly as much as they're confronting the parts of themselves they've spent years suppressing. By the final episodes, the battlefield shifts from a physical one against the angels to a psychological one. In fact, the battlefield has become consciousness itself, as the barriers separating the consciousness of all the characters dissolve. melding the minds of humanity into a primordial soup. Victor (06:38) Most narratives build toward external resolution. The hero defeats the villain and everyone lives happily ever after. However, Evangelion intentionally dismantles that expectation. Instead of climaxing with explosions, it climaxes with introspection. Though, if we're being honest, Studio Gynax ran into budget issues, which forced them to settle on a more subdued ending originally. Gynax eventually did release the quote unquote true final episodes titled The End of Evangelion Part 1 and Part 2, which managed to send the series off with a bang. They combined brutal action with an uncomfortable reflection on the fan base's desires, which I won't go into further detail to keep this podcast advertiser friendly. I will say it poetically traps Shinji in his personal hell as he is left alone as one of two surviving humans on devastated planet Earth with someone who actually Absolutely despises him. Apologies for the spoiler. The original ending frustrates many viewers because it refuses to satisfy the desire for neat conclusions and double digit frame rates. I still believe the original ending has artistic value despite its flaws. As the viewer is running hot from the action leading up to the finale, they are abruptly forced to contend with Shinji's pain as he has difficult conversations with each character in the show. Classic literature often behaves in exactly the same way. Kafka rarely explains. Evangelion belongs comfortably in that tradition. It doesn't want the viewer to understand everything. I do have to acknowledge the budgetary constraints experienced by Gynax that forced them to take a lot of shortcuts. Ava was forced to use stills and ambient noise for many scenes. However, I believe that the use of stills was an integral part of what makes Ava special. The 15 to 20 seconds of Shinji riding in train cars forces the viewer to sit in the uncomfortable silence and reflect on the weight of each traumatic event Shinji had to face. Modern life provides us many distractions from our own thoughts, while Ava has a way of forcing the viewer to confront them. Victor (08:51) Even the famous Hedgehog's Dilemma, borrowed from philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, demonstrates how deeply Evan Gellien draws from philosophical traditions. Schopenhauer imagined hedgehogs huddling together during winter. If they stay too far apart, they freeze. If they move too close, they wound each other with their spines. Humans, Evan Gellien suggests, face the exact same paradox. We need intimacy, but intimacy inevitably risks pain. Almost every relationship in the series reflects this single philosophical idea. Shinji avoids closeness because rejection terrifies him. Asuka demands validation while pushing everyone away. Gendo chooses isolation entirely, but in his grief precipitates the end of humanity. The giant robots and eldritch whores become secondary. The real story asks whether imperfect people can ever truly connect. Victor (09:54) If Evangellian explores psychology, serial experiments Lane explores ontology, the branch of philosophy that asks perhaps the oldest question imaginable. What is real? This is where Lane shows how ahead of its time it was. It reminds me of a quote: The map is not the territory, the menu is not the meal. While this may have been true just 10 years ago, the internet has distorted reality. Turning the map into the territory is And the menu into the meal. Since its premiere in 1998, Lane has anticipated nearly every philosophical debate surrounding digital identity, well before the rise of smartphones and social media. Lane refers to the internet as the wired, a place where memory, identity, information, and existence begin dissolving into one another, just as social media takes our data and our memories and displays it for all to see. Lane poses questions such as if every memory of you disappeared, would you still exist? If your personality could be copied perfectly, which version would be you? If everyone believed a different history about your life, which history becomes reality? Victor (11:13) Again, through the internet, the menu is now the meal and the map is now the territory. Victor (11:20) perception has become a reality in and of itself. Victor (11:24) These aren't computer science questions. They're metaphysical questions. Kafka feels like an obvious literary comparison. His protagonists constantly discover that reality obeys rules they cannot understand. Nothing feels stable, authority is invisible. Meaning slips away just as it's about to become clear. Watching Lane produces a remarkably similar feeling. Episodes often end without resolution. Characters contradict themselves. Reality quietly shifts, memories change, people appear where they shouldn't. Victor (12:02) Instead of providing certainty, every answer generates more questions. The audience slowly experiences the same confusion as Lane herself. Rather than explaining philosophical uncertainty, the series makes viewers inhabit it. One of Lane's most fascinating ideas concerns identity as performance. Today we all maintain multiple versions of ourselves. Professional profiles, private messages, anonymous accounts, public personas, family versions. Friend versions. Different people know a different you. Lane predicted this fragmentation decades before social media normalized it. Throughout the series, different characters encounter different versions of Lane. Some remember conversations that never occurred. Others insist they meant a completely different lane. Which one is real? The uncomfortable answer may be all of them or none of them. Identity becomes less like a fixed object and more like an ongoing negotiation between Memory, perception, and relationship. Victor (13:06) The show's visual language reinforces this uncertainty. Notice how often electrical wires dominate the frame. Power lines stretch endlessly across empty skies. Most viewers would treat them as scenery, but they're anything but. They symbolize invisible connection, signals constantly passing between people who remain emotionally isolated. They're reminders that communication does not guarantee understanding. Ironically, the more connected society becomes, The lonelier many individuals appear. Again, this was made in 1998. Before Facebook, before Instagram, before smartphones, before algorithms shaped daily life. That is why Lane feels prophetic rather than dated. It wasn't predicting technology, it was predicting human behavior. Perhaps the greatest compliment you can pay either Evan Gellion or Lane is the same compliment often given to classic literature. They improve with rereading. The first viewing asks, what happened? The second viewing asks, what did it mean? The third viewing asks something entirely different. What does this say about me? That's exactly what happens when people revisit Dostoevsky, Kafka, Camus, or Shakespeare. The text remains unchanged. The audience changes. And because the audience changes, the work reveals something new every time. That is one of the defining characteristics of a true classic. Whether it's printed on paper or animated on a screen becomes almost irrelevant. What matters is whether the work continues to challenge us decades after its creation. And in that respect, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cyril Experiments Lane have earned their place alongside some of the greatest works of modern philosophical storytelling.

The Maui-born actor landed his breakout role in Apple TV+’s historical drama Chief of War which takes place in his home state. Actor Brandon Finn secured his breakout role starring in Apple TV+’s epic historical drama series Chief of War.  Across 8 episodes of the 2025 limited series, Finn portrayed Prince Kūpule, the last reigning king of Maui, who was asked to help realize a prophecy to unite the Hawaiian islands.  Co-created by and starring Jason Momoa, the historical drama chronicles the unification and colonization of Hawaii from the perspective of its indigenous peoples during the late 18th century. Previously, Finn gathered screen credits including appearances on Hawaii Five-0 in 2019 and Magnum P.I. in 2022.  He followed these with roles in the Fox drama Fantasy Island and Starz’s Three Women in 2023, later appearing in an episode of CBS’s FBI: International in 2025. Most recently, Finn guest starred in episodes of NBC’s Law & Order and ABC’s The Rookie, both airing in March. Born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, Finn grew up far from traditional Hollywood pipelines.  The Filipino American did not follow a conventional theater or acting conservatory route out of high school.  Instead, he worked as a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines for several years, transferring his base from Honolulu to Los Angeles in 2018 to formally pursue acting and study at local studios on his days off. Finn recently wrapped filming on a supporting role in Protecting Jared, an upcoming Netflix action-comedy feature film that reunites him with his Chief of War co-star Jason Momoa.

You can never go wrong with traditional foods, but this year, upgrade your Fourth of July menu with these savory Asian-inspired BBQ recipes. If you thought hot dogs and hamburgers were the only foods that belong at the Fourth of July barbecue, think again. Here are four dishes that will switch up this year’s barbecue spread and are deserving of a spot at the cookout. First up, Asian BBQ chicken skewers. These are easy to grill and perfect for feeding a crowd. Just marinate bite-sized pieces of chicken in soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and honey. Caramelize them on the grill then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a finishing touch of flavor. Every barbecue needs a refreshing side of vegetables and this year, you can make an Asian cucumber salad. Thinly slice cucumbers, then toss in rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and any other seasonings of your choice. This crunchy dish will be a cookout favorite and will help balance out all the grilled meats. Next is the beef bulgogi burger. Rather than your traditional Fourth of July burger, switch it up with Korean bulgogi in burger form. Season the ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and green onions before grilling, then add delicious toppings like kimchi, spicy mayo, and cheese on a brioche bun. This fun fusion twist will be a huge hit at any barbecue. And finally for dessert, instead of your usual pie or fruit salad, try mango sago. This Hong Kong dessert combines mango puree, coconut milk, chewy sago pearls, and fresh mangos. Serve it chilled while your guests spend the day outside soaking in the sun. Whether you’re celebrating with a small group or hosting a large party, adding Asian-inspired dishes to your Fourth of July spread is a tasty way to bring something new to the table and introduce your friends to new barbecue favorites.

While entrepreneur Chris Xu has stayed out of the spotlight, his company Shein has become one of the fastest-growing fashion brands in the world. Chris Xu is one of the industry’s most mysterious CEOs who quietly built Shein into one of the world’s largest fashion retailers. He was born in Shandong, China, in 1984 and attended the Qingdao University of Technology. After graduation, Xu began working in search engine optimization, helping Chinese manufacturers sell products overseas through Google search. With the knowledge he gained from working in SEO, Xu had a strong understanding about visibility on the internet and how that can benefit brands. In 2008, Xu launched his very first e-commerce business in Nanjing where he was able to experiment with selling everything from porcelain teapots to electronics, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that fashion had the highest demand. Chris Xu founded SheInside in 2011. The site initially specialized in wedding dresses before expanding into women’s fashion completely and rebranding the company name to Shein, the name now recognized internationally. What made Shein stand out was its data-driven business model which monitors trends and consumer behavior to identify what will sell. Instead of mass producing many pieces at once, Shein tests small batches, sometimes even as few as 100 items, to gauge demand and if it performs well, they will produce more. This model led Shein to become the world’s largest fashion retailer by 2022, surpassing popular brands like H&M and Zara. In 2024 Shein reported around $38 billion in revenue, making Chris Xu one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in fashion, with an estimated net worth of $6 billion according to Forbes’ 2026 Billionaires List. Over the years, Shein has faced controversy and criticism regarding labor conditions, copyright infringement, and environmental issues, but the company has put out responses saying they have strengthened their supplier oversight and invested in sustainability initiatives. Even with these controversies, Chris Xu managed to keep a low profile and still emerged as a major influence in the ecommerce industry. By combining social media marketing and data analytics, he was able to build a company that changed how clothing is designed, produced, and sold.

Siddiquee delivers another knockout performance in the spotlight, building on massive success from his YouTube special and America’s Got Talent. Usama Siddiquee recently gained widespread attention for his breakout performance in Kevin Hart’s Netflix comedy competition, Funny AF, which premiered in April 2026.  Performing for millions of Netflix subscribers and guest judges like Keegan-Michael Key and Nikki Glaser, Siddiquee ultimately finished as the runner-up in the live May finale.  His high-energy, physical delivery on the show quickly established him as one of the most compelling new voices in stand-up. On stage, Siddiquee’s material is defined by a fearless exploration of cultural identity, South Asian stereotypes, and the friction of the immigrant experience.  He often leans into cringey and uncomfortable topics, using a relentless pace to deconstruct societal taboos with sharp observational wit. This distinct comedic voice is the centerpiece of his 2025 half-hour special, titled Usama Bin Laughin. Released directly to YouTube via Don't Tell Comedy, the project has gathered over 400,000 views, highlighting his ability to weave complex personal narratives into broad, accessible humor. Before his recent Netflix run, Siddiquee made a major splash on America’s Got Talent in 2020. His stand-up set was well-received by all four judges and has since accumulated 4.3 million views on YouTube. Now 35, Siddiquee was raised in Plano, Texas, by Bengali immigrant parents.  After graduating from UT Dallas in 2013, he was initially on track for medical school.  However, he pulled the plug on that path to begin his comedy career in the Dallas scene, eventually moving to New York to establish himself as a full-time performer.

It's this passing cloud casting a dark shadow on your alabaster cities and your hopeful children. [Verse 1] It’s not you, America, I’ve seen your morning face, The schoolyards full of laughter, The sunlight on the place Where strangers stop for strangers, Where dreamers learn to stand, Where every mother’s hoping Her child will bless this land. But there’s a cloud above you now, A bruised and bitter thing, It makes the decent whisper, It makes the cruel sing. It dims your golden windows, It stains your harvest moon, It tells the tired-hearted That mercy died too soon. [Chorus] But it’s not you, America, It’s not your truest name. You’re more than fear and fury, More than hunger dressed as blame. You are beautiful beneath it, You are wounded, not undone, And when this cloud passes over, You’ll shine again in the sun. [Verse 2] There’s a mad scramble rising To punish the weak for their weakness, To fawn over the rich For their glittering patronage, To make the desperate believe In a yesterday that can never return, To sell them old ghosts While the bridges burn. There are hands pointing outward At faces darker than fear, Scapegoating innocents For the color they appear. There are drums in the distance, There are flags on the screen, There are outcast nations Turned to target practice dreams. [Chorus] But it’s not you, America, It’s not your truest name. You’re more than fear and fury, More than hunger dressed as blame. You are beautiful beneath it, You are wounded, not undone, And when this cloud passes over, You’ll shine again in the sun. [Bridge] I remember your better angels, I remember your open door, I remember the kitchen tables Where the poor still fed the poor. I remember all the marches, Every hand that would not yield, Every child who raised a question, Every farmer in the field. You were never made of marble, You were never free of scars, But you held a sky of promise Underneath your stripes and stars. And even now the light is waiting Behind this thunderhead, In the hearts of hopeful children Who refuse to bow their heads. [Verse 3] So let the cloud keep drifting, Let the dark exhaust its breath, Let the merchants of resentment Spend themselves to death. Let the lies fall silent, Let the frightened learn to see, That no nation can be mighty While its soul is on its knees. It’s not you, America, Though the shadow feels like night. I have seen your hidden kindness, I have seen your stubborn light. In the nurses, in the teachers, In the workers on the line, In the neighbors bringing candles When the power fails to shine. [Final Chorus] No, it’s not you, America, It’s not your truest name. You’re more than fear and fury, More than hunger dressed as blame. You are beautiful beneath it, You are wounded, not undone, And when this cloud passes over, You’ll shine again in the sun. [Outro] It’s not you, America, The morning still is near. Your children are still hoping, Your bells still want to clear. And when this cloud passes over, When the shadow comes apart, Your alabaster cities Will be lit by your own heart.

After winning back-to-back titles in the World Series of Poker Ladies Championships in 2024 and 2025, Shiina Okamoto is successfully cementing her name as one of the best at the poker table. Shiina Okamoto is representing Japan on an international level becoming one of the most recognizable names in professional poker. She was born in Tokyo, Japan and first emerged onto the poker scene in 2023 during the WSOP $1,000 Ladies Championship. Okamoto competed amongst 1,295 entrants and made her way to the final table before finishing as runner up, taking home over $118,000. While some players would have felt satisfaction taking home the second place win, Okamoto used it as motivation for the year after. In 2024, Okamoto returned to Las Vegas and once again made it to the final table of the Ladies Championship except this time, she defeated 1,245 players to take home her first WSOP gold bracelet and the first place prize of $171,732. This win put a huge spotlight on her status in the poker world and cemented Okamoto as one of Japan’s most elite players. To continue her legacy, Okamoto returned to the Ladies Championship again in 2025 where she defeated a record-breaking 1,368 contestants. Okamoto’s second consecutive WSOP win made her the first player ever to win the tournament in back-to-back years after finishing as runner-up the year before. Her impressive three-year run is considered one of the greatest in the tournament’s history. Beyond the Ladies Championship, Okamoto has had major success in other poker circuits, recording cash finishes at the European Poker Tour, WSOP Europe, and other tournaments throughout Asia. As of 2026, Shiina Okamoto’s calm demeanor and strategic decision-making has earned herself over $1 million in live tournament winnings. Traditionally, poker has always been dominated by men, but Shiina Okamoto has risen as one of the modern faces of the game and is inspiring women in Japan and across Asia to pursue competitive poker.

This Korean folk tale features a pair of devoted sisters slandered by a wicked stepmother finding peace and vindication only after their death. Come close, my little dumplings. Tuck your toes under the blanket, pull the moonlight up to your chin, and listen to an old story from long ago, when villages were quiet after sunset and even the crickets seemed to whisper politely. Once there lived two sisters named Janghwa and Hongryeon. Janghwa, the older sister, had a heart like a spring morning. She was gentle, patient and always thinking of others. Hongryeon, the younger sister, was bright as a little red flower after rain. She laughed easily, asked too many questions and could never keep her hair ribbon tied for more than five minutes. “Grandmother,” you may ask, “why are little sisters always losing their hair ribbons?” Ai-goo, because little sisters are part child, part breeze. That is simply how the world was made. The girls lived with their father, a scholar named Bae, in a house with a tiled roof, a persimmon tree in the yard and a pond beyond the garden wall. When their mother was alive, the house was filled with warmth. She would brush Janghwa’s hair, braid Hongryeon’s, and say, “My two blossoms, look after each other. A sister is a lantern when the road grows dark.” But when the girls were still young, their dear mother became ill and went away to the place where good mothers rest among the stars. For a long while the house felt hollow. Their father walked softly, as if loud footsteps might break what little peace remained. Janghwa tried to help with the cooking. Hongryeon tried to help too, though once she put salt into the tea instead of sugar, and everyone made such faces that even the sad house nearly laughed. After some time, their father married again. His new wife came into the home wearing fine clothes and a sharp smile. Now, children, not every stepmother in a story is unkind. Some are warm as fresh rice. Some are sweet as roasted chestnuts. But this one — ah, this one had a heart that had grown narrow from jealousy. When she saw how beautiful and beloved Janghwa and Hongryeon were, her thoughts turned sour. She had sons of her own, and she wanted all the family’s love, all the family’s fortune and all the family’s good luck to belong only to them. So she began with little cruelties. If Janghwa sewed a neat seam, the stepmother sniffed and said, “Crooked.” If Hongryeon swept the floor, the stepmother pointed to one speck of dust and said, “Lazy.” If the sisters ate a bowl of rice, she said they were greedy. If they ate less, she said they were ungrateful. A person who wants to be cruel can always find a reason, even if she must invent one out of thin air and old cabbage leaves. But the sisters did not answer harshness with harshness. At night, they sat together by the small lamp. “Unni,” Hongryeon whispered to Janghwa, “will it always be this way?” Janghwa took her sister’s hand. “No season lasts forever. Even winter gets tired and lets spring come in.” So they endured. They remembered their mother’s words. A sister is a lantern when the road grows dark. But the stepmother’s jealousy grew bigger, and one day she told a terrible lie about Janghwa. It was such an ugly lie that I will not place it fully in your ears before bedtime. Let us only say that she tried to make Janghwa’s father believe his daughter had brought shame upon the house. Poor Scholar Bae was weak in spirit. Instead of looking into his daughter’s clear eyes and asking for the truth, he believed what his wife told him. That is a sad thing, children. Sometimes grown-ups, even fathers, can be foolish when they are frightened or tired or too eager for peace. Janghwa was sent away from the house, weeping so quietly that even the wind felt ashamed to blow. She walked to the pond beyond the garden, where reeds bent their heads and dragonflies skimmed the water. There, in that lonely place, the poor girl disappeared from the world of the living. When Hongryeon learned what had happened, her little heart cracked like thin ice. “My sister was innocent,” she cried. “My Janghwa would never do wrong.” But no one listened. The stepmother turned her face away. The father covered his eyes with sorrow and confusion. Hongryeon went to the pond and called her sister’s name again and again. “Janghwa! Janghwa! Your little sister is here!” The pond answered only with ripples. Soon after, Hongryeon too vanished from the house. Some say she followed her sister out of grief. Some say her heart simply could not stay in a world where truth had been buried so deeply. Now, do not be frightened, my little ones. The sisters did not become monsters. They did not become shadows with sharp teeth or dreadful things that hide under beds. No, no. Pull that blanket back down. I see your knees hiding. They became spirits of sorrow — pale, gentle and quiet — wearing white robes like moonlight on snow. They did not want revenge. They wanted only one thing. They wanted the truth to be known. After that, strange things began to happen in the village. Whenever a new magistrate came to govern the district, he heard soft crying near the pond at night. Then he saw two young girls standing beneath the willow trees, their faces sad but kind. “Please,” they whispered, “listen to us.” But the magistrates were proud men, and proud men often have very poor ears. Instead of listening, they became frightened and ran away. One even hid behind his own hat, which, as you know, is not a very useful fortress. At last, a brave new magistrate arrived. His name was Won, and he was not only brave but sensible, which is much better. Bravery without sense is just a rooster fighting a cooking pot. On his first night in the village, Magistrate Won sat awake in his office. The lamp flickered. The bamboo outside tapped against the window. Tap, tap, tap. Then came the sound of weeping. Not loud. Not angry. Just sad enough to make the candle flame tremble. The doors opened by themselves, and in stepped Janghwa and Hongryeon, dressed in white, their hands folded politely before them. Magistrate Won’s guards yelped and hid behind each other. One dropped his spear. Another tried to bow and run at the same time, which is difficult and not graceful. But the magistrate stayed seated. “Young ladies,” he said gently, “you have come a long way through sorrow. Tell me what happened.” At last — at last! — someone listened. Janghwa told him about the stepmother’s jealousy. Hongryeon told him about the lie. Together they told him where the truth could be found and how their innocence could be proven. Magistrate Won listened to every word. He did not interrupt. He did not scold. He did not say, “That cannot be,” simply because it was hard to hear. The next morning, he called the household together. The stepmother arrived wearing her sharp smile, but her hands trembled like leaves. The magistrate asked questions. Then more questions. Then one very quiet question that made the stepmother’s face turn pale. Lie by lie, her story came apart, like a straw sandal in the rain. At last, the truth stood in the room where everyone could see it. Janghwa had been innocent. Hongryeon had been faithful. The sisters had been wronged by jealousy and by those who failed to protect them. Scholar Bae fell to the floor and wept. “My daughters,” he cried, “my poor blossoms. I should have trusted you. I should have listened.” And that, children, is one of the heaviest sorrows in the world — to understand too late what love should have understood at once. The wicked stepmother was punished according to the laws of those old days, and her lies could harm no one anymore. The village finally breathed freely again. The pond became peaceful. The willow trees no longer shook with midnight crying. That night, Magistrate Won dreamed of the two sisters. They stood beneath a sky full of stars. Janghwa smiled with the calm of a flower opening at dawn. Hongryeon’s ribbon was tied properly for once, though I suspect heaven helped. “Thank you,” they said. “Now our names are clean. Now our hearts can rest.” Then they turned and walked together along a silver road of moonlight, hand in hand, until they disappeared among the stars where their mother waited. From that day on, the people of the village remembered Janghwa and Hongryeon not as sad ghosts, but as two devoted sisters whose love stayed bright even in darkness. And so, my little ones, what does this old tale teach us? It teaches us that jealousy is a worm that eats the heart from the inside. It teaches us that lies may run fast, but truth walks steadily and arrives in the end. It teaches us that when someone is hurting, the bravest thing we can do is listen. Most of all, it teaches us what the girls’ mother told them long ago: A sister, a brother, a cousin, a friend — anyone who loves you truly — can be a lantern when the road grows dark. Now close your eyes, my little blossoms. The pond is quiet. The willow trees are still. Janghwa and Hongryeon are safe among the stars. And you, thank goodness, are safe under your blanket, where the only ghost is Grandmother’s old hand looking for one last goodnight tickle.

Not only did he create one of the country’s most famous food trucks, Roy Choi helped make Korean food a staple in mainstream American dining. Before Korean cuisine became a mainstream staple of modern dining, Roy Choi was serving Korean short rib tacos to the people of Los Angeles out of his food truck. His journey to becoming one of the founding fathers of the modern food truck movement began in Seoul. He was born in 1970 and immigrated to the United States when he was two years old, settling in Southern California where he spent most of his life in between Los Angeles and Orange County. Choi’s parents actually owned a Korean restaurant, which is how he was exposed to the industry at an early age. He attended California State University, Fullerton and graduated with a degree in philosophy, then later enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, one of the country’s most prestigious culinary schools. Upon completion, Choi worked in hotel kitchens and fine dining restaurants such as the Beverly Hilton, and began building his culinary resume. But in 2008, Choi made the decision to partner with Filipino entrepreneur, Mark Manguera and his wife Caroline Shin, to open Kogi BBQ. Kogi is a Korean-Mexican food truck that serves Korean barbecue in tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, a fusion food that was brand new to foodies. Kogi would also make real-time updates on their Twitter page so customers knew exactly where the truck was in Los Angeles. With lines wrapped around the city’s blocks, the concept exploded and Kogi BBQ quickly became “America’s first viral eatery” according to Newsweek. It didn’t take long for Choi’s influence to extend beyond food truck tacos. He has since then opened several famous Korean-fusion restaurants including Alibi Room in Los Angeles and Best Friend in Las Vegas. Choi’s 2013 memoir became a New York Times bestseller and in 2019 he was the co-host of The Chef Show, a series that celebrated cooking from cultures around the world. Over the years, Roy Choi has become an advocate for food accessibility. His television series Broken Bread explores food inequality and those working to improve local food systems. This has earned him an Emmy Award as well as the 2020 James Beard Award for Outstanding Personality/Host. Other impressive accolades he has received over the years include being recognized as one of TIME 100’s Most Influential People in 2016 and being inducted into the California Hall of Fame for his contributions to California's culinary culture. Roy Choi helped introduce Korean flavors to Americans way before Korean cuisine became a mainstream food choice, proving to the world that great food doesn’t always have to be served in a fine dining setting.

Japan’s World Cup run ends in heartbreak against Brazil as Haeran Ryu records the largest comeback victory in LPGA major history. In a heart-wrenching conclusion to their World Cup journey, Japan fell 2-1 to Brazil in a dramatic Round of 32 clash Monday in Houston.  The Samurai Blue initially stunned the favorites when Kaishu Sano fired in a brilliant long-range strike in the 29th minute, handing Japan a lead that they defended with remarkable discipline for much of the match. However, Brazil’s Casemiro broke through the Japanese defensive wall, equalizing in the 56th minute.  The contest remained a tense, back-and-forth affair until the dying seconds, when Martinelli struck in the 5th minute of stoppage time to secure the comeback victory for Brazil and seal Japan’s elimination from the tournament. Haeran Ryu secured her first career major title in historic fashion at the Women’s PGA Championship, overcoming a staggering 10-shot deficit after her opening round to claim victory.  Finishing at 13-under, Ryu achieved the largest 18-hole comeback by a major champion in LPGA Tour history, earning a winner’s share of $1.95M.  Korean compatriot Ina Yoon, who had opened the tournament with a record-breaking 63, finished two strokes back at 11-under to take second place and collect over $1.1M.  Amidst a final round challenged by significant weather delays and gusty conditions, Ryu’s resilience proved unmatched as she navigated the course to solidify her place in the record books. The Travelers Championship concluded with a thrilling display of golf at TPC River Highlands, highlighted by a spectacular final-round charge from Collin Morikawa.  Finishing in third place at -20, Morikawa electrified the crowd by firing a brilliant 9-under 61, a performance that nearly vaulted him into a playoff before he ultimately finished just one stroke behind the leaders.  His impressive finish earned him a prize of $1.36M.  Meanwhile, Akshay Bhatia also enjoyed a successful week, carding a strong -18 total to secure a share of fifth place, which netted him $760,000 for his efforts. Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai seems to have found his stride, delivering a masterful performance on Thursday, in a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers.  Imai dominated the Tigers’ lineup across six scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits and a single walk while racking up 10 strikeouts.  This impressive outing marked his fifth win of the season and extended his recent run of success, as it was his third consecutive victory in appearances that resulted in a decision.  In Imai’s previous start on June 19 against the Cleveland Guardians, he set a new career high by recording 11 strikeouts.

Junya Watanabe has always made an effort to stay out of the spotlight, but his designs made it impossible for the fashion world to ignore him. There are many luxury designers looking to build their brand through fame and publicity, then there’s Junya Watanabe, a designer who wanted to stay entirely out of the spotlight to let the clothes speak for him.  He was born in Fukushima, Japan in 1961 and grew up with an interest in clothing because his mother ran a made-to-order clothing shop. This exposed him to fashion design and tailoring at a very young age, leading him to attend Bunka Fashion College, one of Japan’s most influential fashion schools. Watanabe graduated in 1984 and immediately began working for Comme des Garçons as a pattern maker under fashion legend Rei Kawakubo.  Kawakubo was impressed by Watanabe’s skill and creative approach and named him chief designer of Comme des Garçons’ Tricot knitwear line in 1987. This opportunity allowed Watanabe to debut his first collection in Tokyo in 1992 and was on the runway at Paris Fashion Week in 1993.  Fashion critics quickly noticed his work and described his style as “techno couture” because of his futuristic designs. Watanabe expanded his influence even more through major collaborations with brands like Levi’s, Converse, and The North Face, which have all helped normalize modern luxury streetwear.  Even with his global influence, Watanabe always wanted to remain private. He rarely gives interviews, almost never appears in public, and doesn’t even give a customary bow at the end of his shows, yet still has earned massive respect in the fashion industry. Today Watanabe still works for Comme des Garçons out of the brand’s headquarters in Tokyo.  Junya Watanabe built his brand through innovation and risky experimentation and even though he rarely speaks in public, his work quietly helped shape modern fashion, from avant-garde runway pieces to collaboration-driven streetwear culture.

After launching her career as Katana in Suicide Squad, the versatile actress now anchors the platform’s most-watched streaming superhero series, The Boys. Karen Fukuhara stars in Amazon Prime Video’s flagship superhero series The Boys, portraying Kimiko Miyashiro across 40 episodes.  The multi-Emmy Award-winning global hit premiered its fifth season in April, and consistently ranks as the platform’s most-watched series. Fukuhara made her feature film debut in 2016 as the sword-wielding superhero Katana in the DC Comics blockbuster Suicide Squad. The film grossed $750 million at the global box office, yielding high visibility for her first major project. Her career also features extensive voice roles in major animated properties.  Fukuhara starred as the titular protagonist Kipo Oak in Netflix’s Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts in 2020, voiced Glimmer in the animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power from 2018 to 2020, and portrayed Haru in the English dub of Pokémon Concierge from 2023 to 2025. Before her screen acting breakthrough, Fukuhara studied at UCLA, graduating in 2014 with a bachelor of arts in sociology and a minor in theater.  During her college years, she balanced her education while working as a sports reporter for a show on NHK, Japan’s public broadcasting network. The 34-year-old Japanese American actress is a Los Angeles native. Growing up in a bilingual household, she attended a Japanese language school on Saturdays for 11 years and trained in Shotokan karate throughout her youth. In Fukuhara’s next project, she will star as Officer Leah Mizuno in the Lionsgate and ABC police procedural spin-off The Rookie: North, which is scheduled to premiere in early 2027.

Ethan Guo flew across six continents and gained nearly 2 million followers while raising awareness for childhood cancer research—all before turning 20. While most 19 year olds are just starting college or entering the workforce, Ethan Guo had already logged over 700 flight hours, building a strong reputation as one of the world’s youngest pilots. Guo was born in Tianjin, China in 2005. He moved to the United States and developed a fascination for aviation at the young age of 13. He graduated high school early in order to dedicate more time to flight training and by the time he was 17, he earned his private pilot license. When he was 19 Guo had completed over 700 hours of flight time after flying to 48 states and crossing the Atlantic Ocean three times. Guo also became Instrument Flight Rules-rated, meaning he is able to navigate and fly using cockpit instruments without visual ground references, which is an impressive accomplishment for any pilot. In 2024, Guo launched a campaign called “Flight Against Cancer”, inspired by his cousin's battle with Stage 4 cancer. He set his sights on becoming the very first person to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft. The mission began in May 2024. Guo flew tens of thousands of miles across more than 60 countries and raised $1 million for childhood cancer research. His journey caught international attention quickly as Guo was documenting his travels and sharing updates online. By 2025, Guo was nearing Antarctica, the final stage of his record-setting campaign. What was supposed to be the happy ending to his mission became a global controversy when Guo was detained by Chilean authorities after landing in Antarctica in June 2025. They were charging him for filing an inaccurate flight plan and Guo was stuck in Chilean Antarctic territory for over two months while the case was being investigated. Upon an approved agreement, the criminal charges were dismissed and Guo donated $30,000 to a Chilean children’s cancer foundation and agreed to leave Chile with a three-year ban from reentering the territory. Guo’s aviation journey allowed him to build a significant following of nearly 2 million followers across social media platforms, giving viewers an inside look on his life as a young pilot. He has yet to confirm if the 7-continent mission was ever complete, but his accomplishments have already cemented his place as one of the most ambitious pilots in the world, inspiring other young pilots and bringing attention to childhood cancer research.

Victor (00:00) Okay, so this is going to be a follow-up to the previous episode about our first principles approach to getting fit. So I know I was speaking a lot in concepts, so this time I want to start laying out a more detailed plan on how to go about achieving your goals. Victor (00:27) So before we even consider a new workout regimen or new diet plan, I think the most important thing that we can do is an audit, an audit of our behaviors and the results that it yields. If you're listening to this, chances are that you probably are not pleased with the way you look or the way you feel. So before we even start prescribing things, right, we have to start Taking a look at our daily habits. And the important thing when doing an audit is you should not be approaching it with a judgmental lens. Because when you start coming at this from a place of self-loathing, that is not a good place for self-improvement. Victor (01:25) Before we even begin to start making changes, I think it is important to take inventory of our current situation. Yes, I know it is tempting to start on a journey of transformation as soon as possible, but the name of the game is sustainability, right? We don't want to change ourselves overnight. We want to change ourselves over a long period of time because that is what is going to allow us to keep whatever progress we've made. It's not about how fast you get to your destination, but it is about whether or not that it is something you can maintain. Think about borrowing versus owning an asset, right? Chances are if you're listening to this, you're interested in improving your body composition. So, what is the point of speed running and rushing your way into 10% body fat if you won't be able to keep it for an extended period of time? You might look good for a couple weeks, but if you slowly regress back into your old habits, you're going to lose it. So before we do anything, I think it is important to take some time to audit your daily habits and what they are leading to. And when we conduct an audit, we should not be conducting it through a lens of judgment, right? We should be coming at this in as objective and as clinical of a way as possible. Because when we start attaching moral judgments to our own actions and our supposed failures to live up to what we believe we should be, that just builds resentment and we don't want that, right? We want to be happy ultimately, because what is the point of embarking on a journey if you're going to just hate it the entire time? The more that you hate the work, the less likely you are going to do it. And especially in our modern media landscape with figures like David Goggins, Andrew Tate, et al. They are going to tell you to hate yourself, but if you hate yourself. then nothing is really going to make you happy. Victor (03:54) So the first thing that we need to do in our audit is have metrics. We need to start gathering data and measuring things. And again, it is important at this stage that we do not change a single thing. We are simply being curious about ourselves and our daily habits and what they are leading to. So, off the get-go, I highly recommend that you start tracking. Your daily step count, the hours of sleep you get per night, and the amount of calories that you are consuming, along with your weight, day to day, at least for a week. And once we gather these baseline numbers, that is when we can start to think about ways we can modify our behavior that will put us more in line with the person that we want to become. Victor (04:55) Something that I want to emphasize here is to not overthink what peripherals you're using to track this data. Personally, when it came to finding a smartwatch, I did not have a specific brand in mind. I just went onto Facebook Marketplace and bought a smartwatch secondhand that looked decent and fit within my budget. And then I also used the free version of MyFitnessPal on my phone. When you go on Instagram or you go on social media, there will be a flood of ads telling you the best wearable devices. Do not use any brain power for any of this. Just buy a device, slap it on your wrist, and start tracking. The most important thing is that you become attuned to your daily activity. Do not get into the weeds as to what the best wearables are. Again. This data has to be actionable. If this data does not modify your behavior, it is useless. And I'm saying this as a statistician and somebody that works in data. Nowadays everybody thinks that they need more information to act, but the reality is you can act with incomplete information. And most of the time, life is about finding heuristics. aka measurements that are good enough. And let me reiterate, we are looking to track our weight day by day, our calories consumed day by day, and our activity level day by day. And our activity level can be approximated by our daily step count, which is the classic. Victor (06:42) When it comes to our health and appearance, we have to think about it as the average of all of our activities and inputs put together. And when we think about bringing up our average, right, on the bell curve, we have two levers that we can manipulate. We can think about our upper bound and our lower bound. Our upper bound is Who we are at our best when we've gotten a full night of sleep, when we are just full of energy and willing to crush every single workout and tackle everything on our to-do lists. That's us at our best. And now the thing that people and most self-improvement content fail to acknowledge is a lot of times we don't live up to that idealized version of ourselves. There are days where we are going to be On the left side of that bell curve, our lower bound is we're going to be tired, we're going to be lazy, and we're not necessarily going to make the most disciplined choices. So when approaching our behavior modification and our self-improvement journey, we have these two levers to manipulate manipulate. We can either push what we do at our best, or we could look to simply Raise our floor. And this is the unsexy part of self-improvement is thinking about what we do on a day-to-day and looking to make slight improvements to ourselves at our worst. And I think we oftentimes don't want to face ourselves at our worst, right? The version of ourselves that put off chores, that wants to order takeout instead of cooking, and that wants to skip workouts. We don't want to acknowledge that that is a part of us, but when it comes to changing ourselves, we have to. Victor (08:51) Now when we take an unfiltered look at our daily habits, this is when we can start bringing up our lower bound. If you are unsatisfied with your current body composition, one of the easiest things that we can start modifying is our daily activity level. Chances are if it's sedentary around 4,000 steps per day, we can start by bringing it up. The ideal standard is between 8 to 10,000 steps per day. I personally clock in between 10 to 12,000 steps a day. And seeing a number that large is daunting for most people, and we want to make this as easy as possible. So We don't necessarily want to jump into 10 to 12,000 steps per day. If that is too much, then just look to increase it by two to maybe three thousand. So if you're walking only four thousand steps per day, try to see if you could slowly bring that up to six or seven thousand steps. And soon in this process you'll find that it'll be much easier to bring it up. All it takes is just a few sessions of intentional movement per day, you know, maybe a small walk before or after a meal, maybe a taking a longer route to go to the restroom, maybe instead of scrolling on your phone. You just simply take a quick leisurely lap around your apartment, your house, what have you. Victor (10:41) And now that I'm mentioning screen time, right? Now would be a good time to also take a look at your screen time. There are many free apps out there that allow you to check how much screen time you have on your phone. And secondly, I believe that most phones nowadays have native ⁓ features that will log your screen time. And Chances are, if you're listening to this, you probably are a little bit ashamed of how much screen time you have on your phone, especially with forms of social media like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc., etc. And again, we do not want to come at this from a place of shame. We want to come at this from a genuine desire to improve. And chances are your screen time is exceeding five, eight, ten hours per day, there is definitely time in there which we can carve out to get just a little bit more activity in. Again, it doesn't have to be much. We just need to sneak in a little walk here and there. And before you know it, we you can achieve 10,000 steps per day. Victor (12:00) Now the next thing on our list of items to audit is our daily calorie intake. So using an app such as MyFitnessPal, you can simply input the amount of food that you're eating per day by item. You can kind of guesstimate the weights. Personally, I weigh out all my food. Some people would consider this a form of disordered eating, but That is something that I personally do. I weigh out almost every single unit of food that I eat every day. You don't have to do this, but I would recommend at least trying this for one to two weeks as an exercise so you can better understand how much food you're eating per day. Now, once you have this list of food that you're eating. Victor (12:59) Now, the next order of business is tracking our daily caloric intake. Using an app like MyFitnessPal, you can take a running log of whatever you have eaten throughout the day. And again, we are not coming at this from a place of judgment. We are simply coming at this from a place of curiosity. Because how much thought do you put into what you're eating every day? Day. A lot of us simply don't. And I don't think that we live in a culture that tells us to intentionally eat. A lot of times we just eat out of boredom, we eat out of enjoyment, but we don't really eat with a purpose. And I do have to acknowledge that food is one of the fundamental joys of life. Victor (13:54) Now, once we have a gauge as to how much we're consuming on a daily basis, now we can start thinking about things to change. And again, we don't want to change too many things at once. The first thing that I recommend is ensuring that you are eating enough protein, which is about 0.8 grams per pound of lean body mass. And once you figure out how however much that is, for me personally, it's about a hundred eighty to two hundred grams of protein or something, and even that may be a little bit too much, right? For me, after I figured that out, I just made it a goal to eat that much protein every single day. So that comes out to, I don't know, Four three to four hundred grams of chicken breast per day. I don't eat that much chicken breast per day, but that's just to give you an idea. And from the protein is where I shape the rest of my diet. So For me maintenance calories is around twenty nine hundred per day. So once I cross out that calorie amount of I don't know However many calories 400 grams of chicken breast is. I don't know. I think that's about 500-ish calories. Anyway, once I have that established, then the rest of my diet is pretty flexible so long as I stay under that 2900 calorie mark. And Whatever your maintenance calories are, if you want to gain weight, you'll have to eat above it. And if you want to lose weight, you'll want to eat below it. Now, with this in mind, we have to be careful as to how extreme of a deficit we want to be in. Victor (16:04) I also can't emphasize this enough. We want to take things slowly. Okay? In theory, if we want to speed run our way to a lean aesthetic physique, you could put yourself in an extreme deficit of about five hundred calories below your maintenance, but that is not sustainable at five hundred calories below your maintenance, you will be hungry and your body will try to fight you. And the cravings will intense and you will relapse and you will undo all your progress. So I highly, highly recommend You take only one, maybe two hundred calories worth of a deficit. If you try to rush this process, it is going to be very, very painful. And like I keep saying, it is not about whether or not you can achieve your end goal, it is about whether or not you can maintain it. Victor (17:16) have brought up this idea of timescale and sustainability, I am actually going to go against common wisdom when it comes to goal setting and actually discourage The use of a deadline. I know to accomplish most goals, people recommend setting some kind of deadline so you work to achieve it. However, with certain long-term goals and lifestyle changes like weight management, I find that when you set a goal or time or yeah, or a deadline. You end up putting undue psychological strain on yourself. Because if you have to achieve a 10% body fat or what have you in six to eight weeks, any setback will feel like the end of the world. And when you're psychologically distressed, that is when you start making poor decisions. You're no longer being active, you're being reactive. I can tell you from personal experience that I did not set a deadline for my goals really. I just decided that I was going to track my calories and increase my step count and track my weight. And what I found was that as I tracked my weight day by day, week by week, and my caloric intake day by day, week by week, I just found that I became attuned with my own body and my own eating habits. And when I had that level of Control, I found that I could isolate my own emotions from my process. Because again, when we are acting emotionally, we make poor decisions. I know personally it was a little jarring sometimes to see that, I'm losing five, ten, fifteen pounds. And then all of a sudden when I see that progress reverse after maybe one or two days of enjoying life with my friends and trying trendy restaurants, that my weight would climb up. Five, sometimes ten pounds. And it is very tempting when we see these setbacks to suddenly make sharp changes. Right? my god, we have overeaten our caloric limit by a thousand calories for two days. Now it's time to go five hundred under. And when we make these punitive actions towards ourselves. That's when we relapse because when we start depriving ourselves, our bodies will send those hunger signals to force you into making bad food decisions. So what I have found personally is that I will not change make any changes to my behaviors for at least a week. If I am behaving in a certain way, I will simply allow it to persist for a week while logging and see where I'm at at the end of the week. If I find that my current habits are leading me to stagnate, which I did notice over the past couple months, that is when I will make a very slight change. So, for example, when I saw that my weight was starting to climb up a bit, I waited a week, logged all my food, and then the following week I just simply adjusted my calories. calories from twenty nine hundred per day to twenty eight hundred per day, just a deficit of one hundred more calories. And then I just waited a week. And during that week, obviously the scale did not really move much. I found that I was at the same weight. And again, if you place, if I had placed a deadline as to when I was supposed to achieve my goal weight, each day where my weight was not trending downwards would have felt like a psychological blow. It would have felt like I was losing time. And that emotion would have caused me to maybe eat even less and less until finally I'm so hungry that I just go go to in and out and have a binge right disordered eating is not good Victor (21:46) What social media has really diluted a large number of people into thinking is that you can get results quick. Unfortunately, how real life works is that actions that we take today will likely not show their benefits until weeks, maybe even months later. And we have to be comfortable in that waiting chan. Like I said, when I cut my calories, I did not see Any results until weeks later, and most people are very uncomfortable in that waiting, and through that discomfort, that's when people start spiraling. A number of people I've talked to about this in real life say that they're afraid of quote unquote wasting time and that they want the results to come quickly, but unfortunately, I find these same people will waste even more time by not. Their behavior or by spiraling in the same place for months on end. Victor (22:51) Change takes time, which is why I highly, highly recommend against setting deadlines for your physique goals. Because when you set a deadline, you're not giving room for your changes to grow and for your changes to stick. While you're in the process of reorganizing yourself and becoming someone different. A deadline can stifle that. A deadline can make every single setback feel like the end of the world. And again, when we act on emotion, we make bad decisions. Victor (23:38) Like I said in the previous podcast, our physique is a manifestation of our principles and our actions. If you're somebody that likes to watch TV all day and eat whatever they want, you're going to look like somebody that does those things. If you're somebody that is active and that eats intentionally, then you're going to look like somebody that is active and eats intentionally. And those becoming somebody that looks active is what is a question of principle. And if you want to become that, then that will involve a modification in behavior, which will take time. Victor (24:28) Now, this cuts back to a fundamental question that I posed in the previous podcast. Why do you want to modify your behavior? Why do you want to change? Again, our bodies are just simply manifestations of us, our choices, our values. And our bodies will change its shape to match what our values are. If you value the freedom to eat whatever indulgent foods that you want and to watch sports all day, then that is your imperative and your body will reflect that. If you are somebody that is intentional about their eating and likes to be active and go outside and engage in sports, then your body will change to fit that lifestyle. Victor (25:24) I believe most of the pain and discomfort with this comes from a mismatch between what your body is manifesting and your own core principles. Victor (25:39) And it is in this reconciliation of what your core principles are, is where we will find the will to set our goals. So before we do anything, we really need to identify the why. Why do we want to change our behaviors? And what will getting our dream physique do for our lives? That is something that we have to answer before we embark on this. I mean, for me, right, I compete in jujitsu a lot, and having a fitter body will just make me better at jujitsu. And for me, jiu-jitsu is a form of artistic expression. So having greater capacity will allow me to engage in my art on a deeper level, which is something that I enjoy. I'm also Very active. I love being outside. So for me, being fit is just how I interact with the world and how I derive joy from things. I personally don't like watching sports. So, and I personally get a lot of enjoyment playing sports and being outside. So my body is geared towards that end through my intentional eating habits and through how active I am just at a base level. reflects that Victor (27:06) So I think I have yapped long enough. And I would like to conclude this podcast with a summary of things that we went over and some action items. So, at a high level, losing body fat is relatively simple, right? We just need to eat less and move more. Now. How much we need to move more and how much less we need to eat, we need to figure that out via tracking. So for one week, all you need to do is just track your activity by way of counting your steps through an app such as your health app on your phone. And you need to track your calories. You can do so with a free app such as MyFitnessPal. I personally use the free version of MyFitnessPal because frankly I just Need to track the nutrients and my tot total caloric intake. Once you have completed the audit, now you know what your baseline is. And again, plan for the worst version of yourself. Not the one that is full of energy and has a low workload. I'm talking about the one, the version of you that wants to order DoorDash and skip a workout. The point of this is we need to first raise our floor because once we raise what we do at a bare minimum, then that raises our peak. And over time, this improvement of our bare minimum will yield in change. But again, you need to give this time. In a later episode, I will talk more on working out and other Considerations. But for now, if you made it this far, just observe yourself and track your behaviors.

The son of NHL veteran Manny Malhotra is projected to be selected in the top five of the NHL Draft. At only 17, Caleb Malhotra has established himself as one of the top prospects entering the 2026 NHL Draft.  An elite two-way player of Indian descent, his proactive lane disruptions and elite playmaking have led scouts to compare his talents to established NHL stars like Nick Suzuki and Jonathan Toews. Malhotra’s steady play has earned him the #6 spot among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, while Sportsnet’s veteran NHL scout Jason Bukala ranked him as his #3 overall prospect.  The 6’2”, 183-pound center comes from a premium athletic lineage, being the son of former NHL veteran Manny Malhotra. Recent mock drafts underscore his status as the consensus top center available, making him highly coveted by front offices selecting at the top of the board.  The Athletic projects Malhotra to go No. 3 overall to the Vancouver Canucks – the franchise where his father famously played.  Meanwhile, Bleacher Report links him to the Chicago Blackhawks at the No. 4 pick.  He has also been heavily connected to the New York Rangers, who drafted his father in 1998.  The Rangers, who had the third-best odds for the top pick, slid down to the No. 5 selection in the draft lottery, potentially putting them out of range to select Malhotra. He spent this past season starring for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League, where he recorded 29 goals and 55 assists in 67 regular season games, and added another 26 points in 15 playoff games.  Before joining the league, he played for the Chilliwack Chiefs. While Malhotra holds a commitment to Boston University for the 2026–27 season, his status as a projected top-five pick makes it highly likely he will bypass the collegiate route to turn professional immediately after the draft.

An ancient Vietnamese folk tale of love, mistaken identity, brotherhood and devotion explains the custom of chewing betel. Come closer, my two little dumplings. Yes, yes, tuck your toes under the blanket. Toes left outside the blanket will be nibbled by the night breeze, and then don’t come blaming Grandma. Tonight I’ll tell you an old Vietnamese tale, one that explains why, in the old days, people offered betel leaves, areca nuts, and a little lime at weddings and family gatherings. Ah, you make faces now, but once upon a time, grown-ups thought chewing betel was very fine and elegant. Grown-ups are mysterious creatures. You’ll discover that soon enough. Long, long ago, in a village wrapped in green fields and bamboo shade, there lived two brothers who loved each other more than anything in the world. Their names were Tân and Lang. They were so alike that even the chickens got confused. When Tân tossed them rice, they clucked thank you to Lang. When Lang chased them from the vegetable patch, they complained to Tân. As for the village aunties, ai-yah, they had no hope at all. They simply called, “You there, handsome boy number one!” and “You there, handsome boy number two!” The brothers had lost their parents when they were young, so they leaned on each other the way two young trees lean in the wind. Where Tân went, Lang followed. Where Lang laughed, Tân laughed louder. They studied together, worked together, ate together, and if one of them caught a cold, the other one sniffled out of sympathy. In time, the brothers went to live and study with a wise old teacher. This teacher had a daughter named Liên, gentle as moonlight, but not the kind of moonlight that just sits there looking pretty. Oh no. She was clever, too. She could tell when the rice was done just by the smell, could thread a needle in dim light, and could spot foolishness in a man before he had finished his first sentence. Now, as young people do, Tân and Liên began to care for one another. At first it was shy glances. Then it was small kindnesses. Then it was that silly kind of smiling at nothing that makes older people say, “Aha, the fish has swallowed the hook.” Soon Tân and Liên were married. Lang was happy for his brother. Truly, he was. But after the wedding, things changed, as they always do when one household becomes two hearts instead of three shadows. Tân still loved Lang, but he now had a wife to care for. Liên loved her husband, and she was kind to Lang, but the old closeness between the brothers was no longer quite the same. Poor Lang felt it first in small ways. At dinner, Tân sat beside Liên. When there was news to share, Tân told Liên first. When the lamp burned late, Tân and Liên whispered together while Lang lay awake, staring into the dark. Nobody meant to hurt him. That is the trouble with some hurts, my little ones. They are not thrown like stones. They drift in like mist. One day, Lang came home from the fields tired and dusty. Liên saw him from behind and, because the brothers looked so much alike, thought he was Tân. She greeted him warmly, as a wife greets her husband. Just then, Tân arrived. He saw the moment, misunderstood it, and jealousy pricked him like a thorn. Ah, jealousy! Such a tiny insect, but it can buzz louder than a water buffalo in a kitchen. Tân said nothing, but his heart tightened. Lang saw the look in his brother’s eyes and understood enough to feel ashamed, though he had done nothing wrong. Liên, too, realized the mistake and was embarrassed. That evening, the house was quieter than usual. No easy laughter. No brotherly teasing. Even the rice pot seemed to steam in whispers. Lang lay awake, sorrow growing heavy in his chest. “My brother no longer trusts me,” he thought. “I bring trouble to the house. Better that I leave.” Oh, my dears, sometimes young hearts make big decisions in the middle of the night, when the moon is dramatic and nobody has eaten breakfast. This is why Grandma always says: never decide your whole life on an empty stomach. But Lang was young and wounded. Before dawn, he slipped away from the house. He walked and walked until he came to a lonely riverbank. There, exhausted and heartbroken, he sat down upon a pale stone. He missed his brother so deeply that the sorrow seemed to root him to the earth. And there, by the river, Lang was transformed into a white limestone rock. When morning came and Tân discovered Lang was gone, his anger melted at once. “What have I done?” he cried. He searched the village, the fields, the roads, the forest paths. He called Lang’s name until his voice grew rough. At last he came to the riverbank and saw the white stone. Somehow, deep in his heart, he knew. “My brother,” he whispered. Overcome with grief and love, Tân stayed beside the stone. He would not leave Lang again. And there, by the river, Tân was transformed into a tall areca palm, straight and slender, rising beside the limestone rock like a loyal brother keeping watch. Back at home, Liên waited. The rice cooled. The lamp burned low. Neither brother returned. At last, she went searching too. She followed the road, asked the villagers, crossed the fields, and came to the quiet riverbank. There she found the white stone and the areca palm, and she understood with the wisdom that sorrow sometimes gives. “My husband,” she said softly. “My brother.” She wept for the misunderstanding that had broken their happy home. She wept for the love that had been true but not patient enough. Then she leaned against the areca palm, and her grief became a green vine. She was transformed into the betel plant, wrapping herself tenderly around the palm, as if even in another form she wished to stay close. So there they remained: the white limestone rock, the tall areca palm, and the green betel vine. Years passed. One day, a king traveling through the land stopped at that riverbank. He saw the strange and lovely sight: the vine embracing the palm, the palm standing beside the stone. The people told him the sad story of the two brothers and the faithful wife. The king was moved. He took a betel leaf from the vine, a nut from the areca palm, and a bit of lime from the white stone. When they were placed together, their juices turned a deep red, bright as a loyal heart. “This,” said the king, “shall be a symbol of love, faithfulness, and family devotion.” And from then on, betel leaf, areca nut, and lime were offered at weddings and important ceremonies. They reminded people that love is precious, trust is delicate, and a family must be cared for with patience, not suspicion. So, my little mooncakes, that is why the betel leaf and areca nut became symbols of marriage and devotion in Vietnam. Now, what should we learn from this old tale? First, don’t let jealousy boss you around. It has terrible manners. Second, when your heart hurts, speak before you run away. Third, if your brother or sister eats the last sweet cake, do not turn into a limestone rock beside a river. Come tell Grandma. Grandma will judge fairly, and perhaps eat the next cake herself to prevent further conflict. There now. Your eyes are drooping like sleepy lotus flowers. Snuggle down. May your dreams be green as betel leaves, tall as areca palms, and strong as the love that holds a family together. Good night, my little ones. Sleep sweetly.

Before commanding the screen in the hit streaming series, Liu leveraged his early karate background to launch a budding career. Dallas Liu returns to Netflix on June 25th for the highly anticipated second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, reprising his breakout starring role as Prince Zuko.  He anchored all 10 episodes of the hit first season as the conflicted, fire-bending royalty. The fantasy epic quickly became a dominant success for the streaming platform, racking up 71 million views in the first half of 2024 alone and securing a dual renewal to finish out its three-season arc. Before chasing the Avatar on screen, Liu built a standout television presence by playing Maya Erskine’s protective, cool-guy older brother across 14 episodes of the critically acclaimed Hulu comedy-drama Pen15 from 2019 to 2021. Liu’s versatility has steadily expanded into the cinematic landscape as well, appearing in Marvel Studios’ 2021 blockbuster Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as Ruihua, the younger sibling of Awkwafina’s character, Katy. His initial break-in to the industry came at just seven years old when he made his debut as a young Jin Kazama in the martial arts film Tekken, which was released in 2010. Now 24, the Chinese-Indonesian American actor has forged his early background in competitive martial arts into a full-time passion for acting.  Liu’s rising visibility points toward a breakout trajectory that looks to accelerate with his return to the screen for season two of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

As two of Love Island USA’s bombshells, Carl Lee Schmit and Chay Nehra are already starting to build connections in Casa Amor, giving American viewers a new change with Asian men ready to take center stage. This week, Love Island opened up Casa Amor and if you’re a first time watcher you are definitely in for an exciting rest of the season. Casa Amor is the show’s ultimate twist that separates the men and women in different villas and introduces new groups of contestants. It causes drama and heartbreak and this season, the Love Island producers did something completely different by bringing in twelve new male bombshells for the ladies instead of the usual six. To shake things up even more the women were shown footage of what the men were doing in Casa Amor during the first hand introductions, sparking anger amongst the ladies. Out of the twelve new bombshells, two of them stood out to us Asian American viewers: Carl Lee Schmit and Chay Nehra. Carl is a fitness trainer from Denver and he shocked the audience during his conversation with original islander, Aniya. He revealed that he is half Chinese and that he can speak both Chinese and Japanese. Quickly into Casa Amor, Carl caught Aniya’s attention and the two bonded over culture and traveling, then later in the episode, he even taught Aniya how to introduce herself in Chinese. Joining Carl is Chay, an entrepreneur of Indian descent who shared a conversation with former bombshell Kayda. Watchers enjoyed the initial conversation between Chay and Kayda and are intrigued to see if their romance continues. The new bombshells and original cast will spend the next 4 days in Casa Amor, exploring new connections. Asian men have often been underrepresented when it comes to dating shows, but it is clear that Love Island is bringing diversity to the villa. Rather than just being additions to the cast, both Asian American men are turning heads and ready to break up existing couples, giving viewers a refreshing change from the limited representation in the past.

Giorgia Meloni has had the full Donald experience. [VERSE 1] I've been offended by you since you made up that lie That I asked for a selfie with your highly detested mug You grabbed the microphone and waved your ratings high While the rest of us were drowning in your shrug [PRE-CHORUS] You picked a fight with the Pope on holy ground You blew a kiss to Putin while our jaws hit the ground [CHORUS] Mamma mia, here we go again How could anyone in Europe call you friend? Mamma mia, does it show again That your ego has no bottom and no end? [VERSE 2] In the G7 chamber, Lord, the suffering was real Sitting next to someone smelling of his own perfume "You don't mind being called beautiful" — that deal Was the sleaziest thing uttered in the room [PRE-CHORUS] You started wars in Iran, sent the bills our way You ditch your oldest allies but the tyrants get to stay [CHORUS] Mamma mia, there he goes again Turning every trusted friendship down the drain Mamma mia, now the whole world's seen What it looks like when a bully plays a king [BRIDGE] (Building intensity) What kind of man insults Trudeau at dawn Then rings up Kim Jong-un to carry on? What kind of leader mocks the suffering poor While golfing, lying, starting yet one more war? I look across the table at the summit's painful face — Brussels, Paris, Ottawa — we're all in this disgrace [FINAL CHORUS] Mamma mia, here I go again Forced to shake the hand of Europe's biggest pain Mamma mia, does it ever end? Can't deteste you any more than now, my friend Mamma mia… Now I really know… How low… You can go

Following a dominant Final Four run with Arizona and a standout draft combine, Brayden Burries is a consensus lottery pick. Combo guard Brayden Burries enters the 2026 NBA Draft as a consensus lottery pick following a standout lone freshman season at Arizona.  The 6’4” explosive playmaker of Hawaiian and Chinese descent has elite scoring instincts that make him highly coveted by NBA front offices. He further elevated his draft stock with a standout showing at the NBA Draft Combine.  The Riverside County native weighed in at 215 pounds and reached 35 inches on his no-step vertical.  Burries was among the top prospects in 3-point shooting, hitting 61%. The head-turning performance may have secured him a top-10 selection. Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft slots Burries at No. 9 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, noting a direct player comparison to Team USA Gold medalist Derrick White.  Meanwhile, CBS Sports has him landing with the Golden State Warriors at the No. 11 pick. Burries’ brief tenure at Arizona left an indelible mark on the program.  He served as a primary catalyst for the Wildcats, guiding the team to both the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships, and their first Final Four appearance in 25 years.  Throughout his five NCAA Tournament games, Burries averaged nearly 17 points per game while lethally shooting above 50% from three. His consistent play during the regular season and under the brightest lights of March Madness confirms Burries is pro-ready.

South Korea is handed a tough loss while Japan puts on a dominant World Cup performance. Ohtani's return from paternity leave is punctuated by a home run, and Tom Kim earns a top-3 major finish on his birthday. How can you not be romantic about baseball? Shohei Ohtani personified that phrase after stepping away from the team to welcome his second child with his wife Mamiko.  Apropos to his return on Father’s Day weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar wasted no time delivering a dramatic solo home run – his 16th of the season.  This helped push his OPS to .969, sixth best in the league, and his batting average to .297, 12th best.  Ohtani’s standout season keeps him firmly in line to compete for the NL MVP once again. Korean star golfer Tom Kim celebrated his 24th birthday by delivering the finest U.S. Open performance of his young career.  Carding a gritty final-round 70 at Shinnecock Hills, Kim finished alone in third place at one-under par – just three strokes behind wire-to-wire champion Wyndham Clark.  The milestone earned him $1.5M and marked Kim’s third career top-10 at a major championship. In World Cup action, South Korea is reeling from a heartbreaking defeat against Mexico, following a costly misplay from the Korean goalkeeper.  Despite a furious late-game push to score the equalizer, South Korea’s hopes were crushed in the 87th minute when Mexico’s goalie pulled off a remarkable, acrobatic save to preserve the lead and seal the result.  The Reds will face South Africa on Wednesday where a win would ensure they advance. The mood was drastically different in Group F, where Japan put on a historic masterclass during the 1,000th match in World Cup tournament history.  They demolished Tunisia 4-0 to become the first Asian nation to ever score four goals in a single World Cup fixture.  Daichi Kamada ignited the rout in just the fourth minute – the fastest goal in Japan’s World Cup history – before Ayase Ueda and Junya Ito combined for three more goals to complete the dominant showing.  Japan now sits level with the Netherlands atop the group, needing only a draw against Sweden on Thursday to advance.

After winning a contest to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Maya Lin has been able to reshape the way Americans remember history through innovative architecture. At just 21 years old, Maya Lin won a national competition to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, making her mark as one of the most influential architects in American history. She was born in 1959 in Athens, Ohio to Chinese immigrants who fled the country in 1948 during the Chinese Civil War. Her father was ceramics professor, her mother was a literature professor, and her brother was a poet, which allowed Lin to grow up in a creative environment that encouraged artistic expression. While studying architecture and sculpture at Yale in 1981, Lin received national recognition after winning a design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Her design stood out, out of 1,421 entries. It was unlike traditional memorials with a towering statue of a heroic figure. Instead, Lin proposed two black granite walls with the names of troops who died or went missing engraved into them, arranged chronologically. Visitors would be able to descend into the memorial in order to see the names and she described this concept as a wound in the earth that would eventually heal. Critics argued that the memorial was too abstract and others attacked Lin herself, criticizing her lack of experience and even her Chinese heritage. The controversy sparked so much debate that Lin was required to defend her design before it was officially approved. A compromise was met which allowed Lin to go through with her original design, but added nearby statues of soldiers. Once the memorial was dedicated in 1982, the public opinion was quick to shift. Visitors loved the memorial and felt deeply connected with the experience. Rather than celebrating war, Lin designed something that encouraged grief and personal reflection. Today the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most powerful monuments in the United States that attracts millions of visitors every year. Lin continued to work in architecture and environmentalism throughout the rest of her career. She has designed a handful of iconic structures including the Women’s Table at Yale University and the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Aside from sculptures and memorials, Lin has also focused on raising climate change awareness and has dedicated many other projects to helping people better understand their relationship with the natural world. Maya Lin is known as one of the most influential architects of her generation after receiving the National Medal of Arts in 2009 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Decades after the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, her work can still be appreciated across the country, marking her legacy that has been centered on the power of thoughtful designs.

After a standout 57-point season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, the 2026 NHL draft prospect is climbing the rankings as a premier puck-moving defenseman. At only 18, Ryan Lin has established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class.  Much like the modern blueliners who have transformed the position, Lin has tailored his game for the modern era where high-level vision is paramount alongside technical precision and elite skating. These skills have earned Lin the #16 spot of North American skaters on NHL.com and the #21 prospect per the projections model of ESPN NHL insider Rachel Kryshak.  His superior positioning and hockey IQ have consistently offset his relatively smaller 5’11”, 178-pound frame, leading scouts to compare his efficiency to established NHL defenders like Cale Makar and Adam Fox. Mock drafts have Lin going as high as the number 10 pick and as far back as the mid-20s.  The Islanders, Predators, and Blue Jackets have all been linked to interest in the defenseman of Japanese and Taiwanese descent. Since 2023 Lin has been playing for the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League.  The past season he led all Giants defenders in scoring with 14 goals and 43 assists in 53 games. Lin was raised in Richmond, British Columbia, and developed through the Delta Hockey Academy before becoming a high-impact player in the WHL.  In April, he committed to the Denver Pioneers, the defending NCAA Hockey champions, though he will remain in the draft. Having earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the U18 World Championships this past year, Lin now looks to establish himself as a cornerstone of the next generation of NHL defenders.

After the Khmer Rouge, Cambodian refugees fled to Long Beach California to rebuild their lives, allowing survivors of the tragedy to become a thriving community. Anaheim Street in Long Beach, California is covered with Khmer script on storefronts, Cambodian restaurants serving authentic dishes, and murals that celebrate Cambodia’s history. The Long Beach neighborhood is known as Cambodiatown with an estimated 20,000 Cambodians living in the area. The larger metropolitan Long Beach area has roughly 50,000 people of Cambodian descent, making it home to the largest Cambodian population outside of the country itself. So how did it come about? Cambodiatown’s story dates back to 1975 when the Khmer Rouge seized control of Cambodia and carried out a genocide that killed 2 million people through forced labor, starvation, and disease causing countless of families to desperately flea the country. The United States began accepting Cambodian refugees in 1979 after the fall of the Khmer Rouge and a significant number of them found their way to Long Beach, California. Long Beach was more affordable compared to other parts of Southern California and many jobs were available through the city’s port and manufacturing companies. The Cambodian population increased throughout the 1980s and 1990s and as more refugees arrived, the community grew stronger. Buddhist temples were established as well as Cambodian-owned restaurants and markets. By the 2000s, community leaders were advocating for recognition of the neighborhood and its cultural significance. Their efforts paid off in 2008 when the City of Long Beach designated a part of Anaheim Street as Cambodiatown, making it the very first officially recognized Cambodiatown in the U.S. Today the neighborhood continues to be the cultural center of Cambodian America. Parades and festivals attract thousands of visitors every year and community organizations are constantly working to promote the Khmer language and history to younger generations. Even with the many challenges affecting neighborhoods across the country, Cambodiatown has remained a powerful symbol of cultural preservation representing those who were able to rebuild their lives and create a lasting home oceans away from where their stories began.

With over 32 million monthly Spotify listeners, the South African star launched a massive World Cup anthem in advance of her upcoming sophomore album APop. Global pop sensation Tyla is kicking off an explosive summer, teaming up with Future on the stadium-ready anthem “Game Time” for the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Soundtrack.  The 24-year-old multiethnic South African native, who is of Indian descent, is setting the stage for her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, APop*, scheduled to drop on July 24th.  The upcoming record features her hit single “Chanel” – which recently secured an American Music Award for Social Song of the Year – alongside the vibrant track “She Did It Again” featuring pop star Zara Larsson. This new era follows a historic breakout cycle for the singer.  Tyla’s titular debut album was anchored by “Water,” a track that has amassed over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify and won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.  Proving her staying power, the deluxe version of the album delivered “Push 2 Start,” which subsequently claimed the Grammy Award in the same category.  Her self-titled debut also boasts massive fan favorites like “Truth or Dare” and the rhythmic “Jump,” further solidifying her distinct sound. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla has pioneered a fresh, crossover genre by effortlessly blending traditional Amapiano – a style of South African house music – with contemporary R&B, pop, and infectious afrobeats textures. Today, she commands a massive global audience, pulling in over 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify.  As APop* nears its release date, Tyla continues to redefine the boundaries of modern music on the world stage.

A rousing anthem for those ready to wake up from this strange nightmare. Verse 1 How I long for an end to this bummer, Of endless hate and noise and alarm, Oh I long for the quieter season, When the sanest souls come marching back. Chorus Oh when the sanes come marching back, Oh when the sanes come marching back, Lord, how I want to be in that number, When the sanes come marching back. Verse 2 No more hiding my flag when I'm traveling, No more lying about where I'm from, I'll stand proud at the border crossing, When the sanest souls come marching back. Verse 3 No more raids breaking up the families, No more tariffs that nobody asked, No more wars dressed up as a bargain, When the sanest souls come marching back. Verse 4 And the courts will stand tall and unbending, And the truth will come back into style, And we'll laugh about how strange it all was, When the sanest souls come marching back. Final Chorus Oh when the sanes come marching back, Oh when the sanes come marching back, We'll throw a party that they'll remember, When the sanes come marching back. Verse 5 There's a king on the throne who's unraveling, Tweeting decrees at three in the morn, While the kingdom's run by his nephews, When the sanest souls come marching back. Verse 6 Oh the court jesters nod and applaud him, As he names himself smartest and best, We'll all laugh at the tale that we lived through, When the sanest souls come marching back. Bridge Oh the absurdity of it, the madness, That a king could just bumble this far, But every reign meets its sundown, And the dawn always follows the dark. Final Verse So we'll gather the tale for our children, Of the time that a fool wore the crown, And we'll teach them to watch for the warning, When the next mad king tries to sit down. Final Chorus Oh when the sanes come marching back, Oh when the sanes come marching back, Lord, we'll dance till the floorboards remember, When the sanes come marching back.

The Thai actress transitions from her milestone performance in Hadestown to anchor the emotional narrative of the anticipated feature Girls Like Girls. Myra Molloy is set to star in the upcoming Focus Features film Girls Like Girls, scheduled for theatrical release on June 19th.  The Bangkok native anchors the lead in the sun-drenched summer story, exploring themes of identity and first love. On screen, Molloy previously starred in the 2021 Netflix romantic comedy He’s All That and appeared on the Freeform series The Bold Type in 2020. More recently, Molloy reached a major milestone in May 2025, making history as the first Thai actress to ever perform in a leading role on Broadway.  She starred as Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, a role that effectively connects the dots between her nuanced acting and her formidable singing abilities. Molloy also lent her artistry to Disney in 2016 as the singing voice of Moana in the Thai-language version of the titular animated feature and its 2024 sequel.   These high-profile musical roles followed her historic start in 2011, when she became the inaugural winner of Thailand’s Got Talent at just 13 years old.  This early victory served as a prelude to her education as a classically trained musician.  Molloy graduated summa cum laude from Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 2019, where she majored in singing and songwriting. The 28-year-old actress continues to expand her footprint as a direct result of her multifaceted artistry.  As Molloy moves into this new chapter of her career as a leading lady, fresh opportunities continue to arise, including an upcoming role in the second season of the Netflix series Untamed.

This Indian folk tale teaches that a bit of timely cleverness can save your home's valuables while getting a tedious chore done for free. Alright, my little fireflies, snuggle down into your blankets and make yourselves cozy. Pull those covers right up to your chins. That's it. Tonight's story is about a very clever man named Tenali Raman, who had a way of turning trouble into opportunity. Now, Tenali Raman lived long ago in the great kingdom of Vijayanagara Empire. He wasn't the strongest man in the kingdom. He wasn't the richest either. But oh my goodness, was he clever! His mind was sharper than a needle and quicker than a squirrel stealing fruit from a garden. One hot summer evening, Tenali was sitting outside his house, enjoying the cool breeze after supper. The moon was rising, the crickets were singing, and everything seemed peaceful. But as he sat there, he noticed something moving behind the bushes. Now, most people might have jumped up and shouted, "Who's there?" Not Tenali. He quietly squinted and thought, "Ah. Thieves." You see, a gang of thieves had heard that Tenali was a respected man who must surely have treasures hidden somewhere in his home. They had crept into his garden and were hiding among the bushes, waiting for everyone to go to sleep. Tenali smiled to himself. Not a frightened smile. A thinking smile. The kind your grandmother gets when she catches someone sneaking a biscuit before dinner. He walked into the house and called loudly to his wife, making sure the thieves could hear every word. "My dear," he said, "times are dangerous these days. There are thieves everywhere! We must hide our valuables where no one can find them." The thieves' ears perked up immediately. Tenali continued, even louder, "Let us put all our gold and jewels into this large wooden chest and drop it into the well. No thief would ever think to look there!" Now, of course, there was no gold. No jewels. The chest was filled with old pots, broken tools, and a few heavy stones. But the thieves didn't know that. Together, Tenali and his wife dragged the chest across the yard with much grunting and groaning. "Oh my!" Tenali puffed dramatically. "This treasure chest is so heavy!" Then they tipped it into the well. Splash! The thieves nearly rubbed their hands together with delight. "Wonderful," they thought. "We'll wait until everyone is asleep, pull up the chest, and be rich by morning." Tenali went back inside. The thieves waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, when the house was dark and quiet, they crept over to the well. One thief peered inside. "There it is!" Another frowned. "But how do we get it out?" The well was deep and full of water. The thieves scratched their heads for a moment. Then their leader had an idea. "We'll drain the well!" And so they began. Bucket after bucket. Splash after splash. They hauled water from the well and dumped it into the garden. At first it seemed easy. Then it became tiring. Then it became very tiring. The moon climbed higher. The crickets grew sleepy. The thieves kept working. Bucket after bucket. Water poured into the garden, soaking the thirsty vegetables, the fruit trees, and every little plant Tenali had been hoping to water. Meanwhile, Tenali was peeking through a window. "Oh, how kind they are," he whispered to his wife. "Look how hard they're working on my garden." His wife had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. The thieves worked all night long. By dawn they were exhausted. Their arms felt like cooked noodles. Their backs ached. Their hands were blistered. But at last the water level had dropped enough that they could reach the chest. With a great effort, they dragged it out of the well. "Phew!" said one thief. "At last!" said another. "Riches await us!" said a third. They pried open the lid. And inside? No gold. No jewels. No treasure at all. Just old pots. Broken tools. And a pile of useless stones. The thieves stared in disbelief. Just then, Tenali stepped out into the morning sunlight. He looked over the beautifully watered garden and smiled. "Thank you, my friends," he called cheerfully. "My vegetables have never looked happier!" The thieves realized they had been tricked. All night they had worked harder than farm laborers—and for absolutely nothing. Ashamed and exhausted, they dropped the chest and ran away as fast as they could. Tenali chuckled and admired his freshly watered garden. And from that day forward, the thieves avoided his house completely. After all, they had learned a very important lesson: When you try to outsmart a clever man, you may end up doing his chores for him. And that's the story of Tenali Raman and the thieves. Now close your eyes, my little ones. Remember, being clever is wonderful—but being clever and kind is even better. And if you ever find yourselves carrying buckets all night long, make sure you're not secretly watering someone else's garden. Good night, my sweet fireflies. Sleep well. 🌙✨

Mary Nguyen was one of the first Vietnamese American women in the national spotlight and used her early pageant fame to develop a successful career in journalism, television news, and law. Before receiving Emmy nominations for her journalism work, Mary Nguyen was nationally recognized as a teenager when she made history in 1993 as the first Asian American to win TEEN Magazine’s Miss Teenage America competition. She was born in Southern California and raised by her Vietnamese parents who fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Nguyen grew up in Fullerton and has described herself as your typical American teenager. She wanted to be a psychologist and excelled in academics, cheerleading, and pageantry all while remaining deeply connected to her Vietnamese heritage. During her junior year, Nguyen won the title of Miss Teenage America and received the opportunity to share her voice with the young readers of TEEN Magazine. One of her Miss Teenage America duties was writing a monthly column, which allowed Nguyen to fall in love with writing. She was encouraged to go to college and pursue a career in journalism, so she attended UCLA where she earned a degree in Communication Studies. Here, Nguyen was heavily involved in journalism, serving as president of the Society of Professional Journalists chapter and even earned a Mark of Excellence journalism award. At this time she was also interning during the O.J. Simpson trial and published an article in TEEN Magazine about her experience. After graduating from UCLA in 1999, Nguyen began building her resume even more as she was working for many television stations across the country as a reporter and anchor. She became known for her intriguing and investigative reporting style, which later earned her multiple Associated Press Awards and an Emmy nomination in 2009 for her coverage during the Casey Anthony trial. Even with her success in journalism and as a teen beauty queen, Nguyen's ambitions continued to evolve. She made the decision to earn her JD at the Florida State University College of Law and eventually became a public defender and attorney in Florida. Mary Nguyen has extended her name far past a pageant title, bringing Vietnamese representation to national television as one of the first Vietnamese American women to gain visibility in the industry, long before AAPI representation was mainstream.

Getting fit is actually very simple. The hard part is finding a reason to stay consistent. Victor (00:00) I don't want this to be another health and fitness podcast. Because frankly, there is already so much information out there, and most of it says the same things. If you close your eyes and visualize your dream physique, I could probably tell you how to get there. It's going to be one of two paths. You will either need to build some muscle or lose some fat. And doing either of those things is actually a very, very simple process. Most videos will say if you want to build muscle, you simply need to hit your protein goals, which is 0.8 grams per pound of lean body mass, work a little bit harder each training session, and get seven to nine hours of sleep. Losing fat is a similar process too. Eat on a caloric deficit rather than a surplus. Eat 0.8 grams of protein per one pound of lean body mass and also get seven and nine hours of sleep. And also maybe get around 10,000 steps per day, whether or whether you're in a caloric surplus or caloric deficit. And with those facts in mind, I just save you saved you about 10 hours worth of research. You really don't need to watch any more. Fitness content besides that. Again, the path is relatively simple. I mean, there is maybe something to be said about programming, periodization, etc. etc. But for most people, you actually don't really need an optimal program. What I am proposing here though is a more inward reflection as to why you are embarking on this journey of health and fitness. Victor (01:58) When most people describe their health and fitness goals, they usually start with a dream physique. And I think that is very telling as to what their goals are. Because let's think about the phrase dream physique, right? A dream is a fantasy, and fantasies ignore material realities in the favor of some type of wish wish fulfillment. Now Most men usually say they would like to look something like Brad Pitt from Fight Club. And they usually try to chase that look. And in that process, they're looking up and down at every single forum, every single YouTube video, trying to find the optimal program, the optimal diet to look like Brad Pitt from Fight Club. But what I feel that most people Are missing is the underlying principle behind that physique. Victor (03:04) Now, I know that most of us were raised hearing the phrase don't judge a book by its cover. However, you can tell a lot about someone simply by the way they look. Right? If somebody if you meet somebody wearing messy clothes with lots of stains, messy hair, and a general unkept appearance, chances are they're probably a messy and disorganized person. Right, if you meet somebody that's dressed like your typical business person, right? Nice haircut, well groomed, well dressed, you probably have an opinion that they are a well-put-together person. Or at least they are the type of person to present themselves in a specific manner, which does go on to inform their deeper character. Even though we say don't judge a book by its cover. A lot of times that cover belies one's true nature. Now, if we think about, you know, a Brad Pitt from Fight Club, I feel that most people just see that cover and think that they can just magically become that without first thinking about the those underlying principles that would drive somebody to look like Brad Pitt from Fight Club, right? If the physique of Brad Pitt is something that you desire, then you have to start thinking: how does that line up with your principles? Right? Think about what are the things that somebody with that physique is doing. And does that align with your lifestyle and with your own principles? Victor (04:59) So a sh small anecdote. There is somebody I have known for almost a decade in real life who always asks me how to look like Brad Pitt from Fight Club, right? How to achieve a six pack. And every single time they've asked, I've always given the same advice as mentioned earlier in the video. Simply, eating a caloric deficit or surplus, depending on whether or not you want to build muscle. I recommended that he build muscle and hit a minimum activity requirement, lift weights, get some sleep, etc. etc. And he had done none of those things. And when I assessed his lifestyle and his principles, he said he hates sweating, he hates walking, he is extremely lazy. The only work workouts that he likes to do are. Tennis two times a week, and most of the times I see him, he is either sleeping, laying on the sofa watching a movie, playing video games, or watching football and getting very, very mad at the result of the football game. Now, when I look at somebody that lives like this, I don't really see how having the physique of Brad Pitt is in line with their lifestyle. Because what does having a six-pack do for them? For me, I look at him and I think that his physique more or less matches his lifestyle. He looks like somebody that hates sweating, he looks like someone that hates working out, and he looks like someone that values the pleasures of eating. And there is no moral wrongdoing for wanting these things or for living like this. He isn't hurting anyone. And that's fine. However, if those are the things that one values, then they can't expect to acquire things that don't align with their values. Again, somebody that looks like Brad Pitt is probably not sitting on the sofa all day watching sports. Victor (07:19) There has to be a core guiding principle that leads you down a certain path. And that is what creates long-term adherence to any plan or any goal, right? If you find a physique that lines up with your means and your principles, chances are that is what you will achieve, right? So thinking beyond. right, looking a certain way, we have to consider what is a body that will allow us to achieve our goals and realize our principles as a person. Victor (08:07) To dispense with the vagaries for a moment, I can use myself as an example of someone whose physique lines up with their principles. I can say that because I'm relatively jacked, relatively lean. In almost every single room I walk into, everyone comments on my physique. So I think I have some credentials here. I am somebody who enjoys working out. In contrast to the person I mentioned earlier, they say they absolutely hate sweating. For me, that's something I kind of enjoy when I break a sweat in a workout and then I start getting into a flow state. I enjoy working out in a hundred some degree warehouses. I do I can do jujitsu for Multiple hours at a time, I run, I lift weights, and I enjoy hiking and going outside. I look like someone that enjoys doing those things. And on top of that, I've been incredibly disciplined about maintaining minimum activity requirements of 10,000 steps a day. I log everything on my fitness pal. I hit my macros every day. And just last week, in order to compete, I actually lost seven pounds of water in a sauna with a friend. And as a result of all these actions and my own principles, I look the way I look. I value working hard. I value struggling for the sake of struggling. And I am incredibly devoted to my art, which is jujitsu, and also I enjoy lifting weights. I mean, one of my perspectives on physical culture is that the more struggle you remove from the actual physical training, the more you lose from it. And what I mean is imagine working out at an equinox where the air is filtered, where everything is spotless, clean, and chrome, right? And everything is made as convenient as possible. I feel like that loses a very key element of the act of training. When I compare this to one of the best gyms I personally ever trained at called Deadweight Strength in San Diego. It was basically a where an open-air warehouse, no AC, no amenities. Honestly, it was a little bit sketchy in how there was no front desk. I just found it on Google, and when I went there, I just had to scan a QR code, pay PAL some account $20 for a key code to get in, and then when I got in, there weren't any amenities. There were no there was no towel service, no fancy bathrooms, showers, etc. etc. It was just essentially a pile of high-quality weights. They used competition style calibrated plates, they had very nice squat racks, they had Competition style barbells where the nurling kind of bites your hand a little bit and every single piece of strongman equipment available, but they did not have any of the comforts typically associated with commercial gyms, like in Equinox. And frankly, that was what I wanted. I thought it was absolutely perfect. I thought the equipment was was well maintained, to be honest, and the Outdoor environment really gave a grit to the physical training compared to an equinox, where honestly it was soft. And when you look at the types of people that are at a place like deadweight strength versus an equinox, there is no comparison. The people at deadweight strength are obviously way stronger. And the fact that I can wax poetic and talk. this much about the differences in physical training points to my own devotion to the act of training. And as such, my physique looks the way it does. Victor (12:45) In other words, I look like someone that takes their training seriously and that values being active. Now, what does this mean to you as a listener, right? What I am trying to get at is the search for a purpose in your physical training. The search for the Principled physique, as I like to call it. A physique that will enhance your life and that lines up with your values, a physique that will let you accomplish whatever goals you have set out for yourself. So one key word that I used in my rambling earlier is devotion as opposed to discipline. So the way I see it is Discipline is simply doing something just for the sake of it, even if you don't enjoy it. And while I think that is noble and admirable in many regards, it is something that leads to burnout. And I think there is too much talk of discipline, to be honest, in a lot of male-centric spaces, just to suffer for suffering's sake. So that is why I have turned it around. I think I got this from a YouTube video somewhere. what devotion is on the other hand is it is discipline tempered with love. So you are when you are devoted, you are doing things because you're disciplined, but it's being powered by love rather than habit. And for me, one of the things I love Is the culture behind physical pursuits and the practice of jiu jitsu? Victor (14:51) So with that being said, I don't want this to be another male-centric hustled for hustle's sake, grind for the sake of grinding. Instead, I would challenge you to find a physical pursuit that you love and that you can dedicate yourself to, and hopefully in that path of devotion. you achieve a physique that is in line with your principles.

The appointment to CEO marks the first time in 130 years that Billboard has united its business and editorial operations under one executive. In April 2025, Mike Van was appointed as the first-ever CEO in the 130-year history of Billboard, a landmark move that consolidated the brand’s global business and editorial operations under a single chief executive for the first time.  This historic elevation followed his tenure as President, where he fundamentally reshaped the organization’s financial trajectory beginning in 2022.  During his leadership, Billboard achieved record-breaking profitability and double-digit revenue growth.  Van spearheaded the brand’s digital evolution while driving the growth of live experiences, including the Billboard Latin Music Awards, THE STAGE at SXSW, the Billboard Music Awards, and Billboard Women in Music.  He was the architect of massive brand integrations and partnerships with global entities such as Verizon, Samsung, and Honda.  Van initially joined Billboard in 2018 as Vice President of Sales, where he closed record-breaking partnerships with YouTube, Google, and Apple.  He was later elevated to Head of Global Brand Partnerships, overseeing monetization across all digital, social, and live event channels. Prior to Billboard, Van built his executive pedigree through senior roles at major media and gaming hubs.  He served as Consumer Sales Director at Pandora from 2014 to 2017 preceded as the Senior Manager of Global Media Solutions at Electronic Arts from 2012. The Vietnamese American executive is the son of refugees who immigrated to the United States in 1975.  Van graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1993 with a bachelor’s in advertising.