Lets Talk Asian

I'm joined by Carol Pak (@caroljpak) founder of @drinkmakku, which offers a new take on Korea's oldest alcoholic beverage, makgeolli. Carol started @drinkmakku in 2017, and in just a few years, she has helped put makgeolli back on the radar with the help of a loyal fanbase of makgeolli enthusiasts. @drinkmakku is distributed nationwide in supermarkets, alcohol shops, restaurants, and more. Carol is a native New Yorker and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.  Follow for updates on IG @letstalkasian and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast! If you're listening, screenshot and tag us so you can be featured in the socials!

@jerryjwon is the founder and CEO of Just Like Media, and the host and producer of many podcasts, including Dear Asian Americans, Asian Podcast Network and Asian CRE Network. Prior to founding Just Like Media, he worked at WeWork and Accenture. He resides on the west coast, is happily married and a proud father of two. He is a big advocate for Asian American podcasters and the Asian American community at large. Jerry shares his personal story of how he exited the corporate world to invest 100% of his time into telling stories about Asian Americans, and now is frequently in demand from companies seeking his counsel and perspective. He is about to author his first book! Follow for updates on IG @letstalkasian and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast! If you're listening, screenshot and tag us so you can be featured in the socials!

A brief break from the Asian SMB series! @stephanielookbakes works at a private foundation during the day and studies pastry arts at the Institute of Culinary Education at night. In her free time, she is part of the core team @withwarmwelcome, an organization that amplifies Asian American chefs, restauranteurs and founders. She recently was a part of #wwwbakersbox, "a collaboration with 18 Asian American female pastry chefs and bakers to present a collection that celebrates women and combats anti-Asian racism." Follow for updates on IG @letstalkasian and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast! If you're listening, screenshot and tag us so you can be featured in the socials!

My favorite boba shop in the world is @teaandmilkny, which is located in Astoria, Queens. I talk to Mathew, one of the founders of Tea and Milk, about how he made the transition from his accounting 9-5 job to pursue his passion for boba and milk tea. Mathew takes me through the journey of his relentless perseverance to make the business a success, the dedication to crafting the best milk tea, and how that all culminated into the lucky opportunity to open the second location in Chelsea Market. Mathew is a native New Yorker who grew up in Manhattan (handball in high school, anyone?). Mathew says, "I would like to thank our fans, our team and everyone who has supported us in the past and the future! Its those who support and believe in us that made us where we are!" Follow the pod on IG @letstalkasian for regular updates. If you'd like to support, please follow the pod and/or leave a five star review on Apple Podcasts! Thank you! :)

This is part of the Asian Small Business Series where I am putting a spotlight on my favorite Asian small businesses. :) @kimberlymcamara & @__keviar are the co-founders of @fromkora, a bakery inspired by the richness of Filipino tastes and culture. One weekend, Kim visited her parent's house where she spontaneously decided to bake leftover brioche and combine it with ube. Months later, Kora has turned into a food frenzy - the donuts sell out in minutes. Kora has been featured in The New York Times and on Eater, and this is just the beginning. Kim joins me to talk about why and how she got started, her Queens background, and her future plans with Kevin on where to take Kora.  If you'd like to support Let's Talk Asian, please leave a 5-star review on Apple podcasts! Stay updated by following on Instagram @letstalkasian. Thank you! :)