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The Mash-Up Americans

The Mash-Up Americansart19.com

The Mash-Up Americans is your guide to the hyphen-America world we all live in. Amy S. Choi and Rebecca Lehrer talk culture, identity, what makes us who we are. Get to know yourself, America.

At The Mash-Up Americans we are celebrating and challenging the raucous, colorful, complicated country we live in by asking all the important, awkward questions: What does it mean to be an immigrant in America? What cultural baggage do we bring to sex and relationships? Why is Korean skincare so popular? When does something get upgraded from the ethnic aisle?


Get more at mashupamericans.com

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Episodes

Telling Stories with Anna Holmes

If we're lucky, we're constantly growing, learning and telling new stories about ourselves. Writer Anna Holmes is here talking about starting new things in your 40s and 50s and finding community. What do we say no to? What can we demand now that we are grown? How much magnesium should we take to sleep? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 01, 202443 minSeason 10Ep. 4

Dreaming Big with Cristina Jiménez

How do we learn from the youth? MacArthur Genius and co-founder of United We Dream Cristina Jiménez join us to talk organizing and creating youth-led movements.And about repair through the eyes of young immigrant kids. She talks about the moment her young son got his first passport and the generational transformation that brings for her as a formerly undocumented person. Anyways, the youth are inspiring us all with their willingness to challenge ideas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

Oct 25, 202443 minSeason 10Ep. 3

Taking The Win with George Goehl

Winning gives the push to do more - a light and hope and a sense of power. You have to acknowledge the little and big wins, to give you energy for the bigger and longer fights. We’re joined by longtime activist and community George Goehl. He’s also in a 5 year strong group chat with Amy and Rebecca. With a career spanning over three decades, George has tackled everything from federal financial reform to local battles for better trash cans. He has a proven track record of turning community strugg...

Oct 18, 202450 minSeason 10Ep. 2

Repairing the World with Rabbi Susan Goldberg

Today to launch our season on tikkun olam, we sit down with Rabbi Susan Goldberg, the founder of Nefesh in Los Angeles and Rebecca’s very own rabbi-on-speed-dial. We laugh with our bellies and dive into the difference between healing and repair, how to make peace with our ancestors, and the utmost importance of making space for repair in yourself, in your family, and in your community. Amy also gets rewarded her very own badge of K'rov Israel. Check out NefeshLA.org for more on Rabbi Goldberg. A...

Oct 14, 202448 minSeason 10Ep. 1

Coming Soon - Season of Repair

What do you do to repair your corner of the world? This season of The Mash-Up Americans we’re talking to a Rabbi, an Immigrant Justice activist, a Community Organizer and a Writer about how we can help the world and ourselves, especially when the world feels so chaotic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 10, 20241 min

Bonus - The Mash-Up Americans on the Immigrantly Podcast

In January 2023 , Saadia Khan sat down with Amy Choi and Rebecca Lehrer for her weekly podcast Immigrantly. The conversation centered on their series on grief. The interview focused on grief, how we can understand it without over-pathologizing the sentiment, and why it’s both universal and personal. What is most remarkable about the conversation is that the trio kept it light and honest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...

Jan 30, 202448 minSeason 9Ep. 11

It’s Time for Extreme Hospitality with Pierre Thiam

It’s our last episode of the season(!) and we’re talking hospitality — what it looks like, what it means, what it does for our souls — and we can think of no better expert to turn to than Pierre Thiam, the trailblazing chef, author, and activist. He talks about how sharing food is a literal blessing, how it can transcend borders, and he also reveals his firm stance on who makes the best jollof. And if you’ve ever wondered how much food is enough food when you’re hosting people? Pierre’s got the ...

Dec 12, 202335 minSeason 9Ep. 11

Liza Treyger On Always Speaking Your Mind

As people who care deeply about many things in this world (inequity, climate change, diversity, you get the idea), we could definitely learn to give less of a sh*t about other stuff — like whether or not people get offended by what we say and do. Enter: Liza Treyger. The hilarious comedian, unapologetic straight talker, and abider of many a bubbe meise joins Rebecca and Amy to talk about the rewards (and risks) of speaking freely and the double standard for men vs women. Also covered: why you’ll...

Dec 05, 202332 minSeason 9Ep. 10

Min Jin Lee Teaches Us How To Be Pleasant And Difficult

Never meet your heroes? Fie, we say. The magnificent author, editor, and queen of Queens Min Jin Lee joined Rebecca and Amy on stage at The Greene Space to kick off The Mash-Up Americans residency, and lucky for us she’s even more generous and staggeringly brilliant than we imagined. From discussing the power of authorship to sharing how being pleasant and difficult has helped her in life, we cover it all — and Amy secured a dinner invite, too. *fist pump* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...

Nov 28, 202333 minSeason 9Ep. 9

Bonus: The Best Advice Show Featuring Rebecca and Amy

To know us at The Mash-Up Americans is to know we love to be told how to do things well — how to be less racist, how to make a killer apple strudel, and so on. So it’s fitting that this week, our pal Zak Rosen invited both Rebecca and Amy on his show, The Best Advice Show, to share a few words of wisdom about small, delightful, maybe unusual ways to make life better — like starfishing. (Just listen and you’ll see.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ...

Nov 24, 202315 min

Replay: Celebrating San Giving With Francis Lam

If San Giving, aka Thanksgiving, isn’t the mashiest American holiday of all, we’d be pressed to think of anything else that even comes close. It’s when American culinary traditions (turkey, stuffing) combine with those of our families (kimchi, tortillas) to be that rare holiday that seems to belong to everyone. So as a nod to Thanksgiving and all the different ways we celebrate, we’re revisiting a conversation we had in 2017 with our friend Francis Lam - cookbook editor and writer extraordinaire...

Nov 21, 202320 minSeason 9Ep. 8

Jeff Chang Can’t Stop and He Won’t Stop

Millennials will never know a world without hip hop, and frankly, we’re all better for it. Author, journalist, scholar, and all-around visionary Jeff Chang joins Amy and Rebecca to share about his first introduction to hip hop, how it serves as a guide to liberation and how it’s just a part of who we all are now. He also weighs in on which album is better: The Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders? Jeff Chang is a writer, thinker, and cultural organizer. His Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of th...

Nov 14, 202357 minSeason 9Ep. 7

Love Hard and Set Boundaries with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

Where there are boundaries, there’s also healing, love, grief, and acceptance, explains Dr. Pooja Lakshmin — but getting there is often a painful, awkward journey. The board-certified psychiatrist and bestselling author joins Amy and Rebecca to talk about boundary-setting as self-liberation, fake vs. real self-care, and the endless mash-up guilt that comes with saying no. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf...

Nov 07, 202356 minSeason 9Ep. 6

Jonathan Menjivar Rewrites His Story On Class

Does having money make you a classhole? And what does that even mean? Producer, reporter, and Classy podcast host Jonathan Menjivar joins Amy and Rebecca as they tackle the awkward topic of class, how it butts into the many facets of our lives and our identities, and how we can come to terms with our status — especially when it changes how we perceive ourselves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 31, 202346 minSeason 9Ep. 5

Rainn Wilson Helps Us Find Our Spiritual Path

We are all on a spiritual path, according to Rainn Wilson — and he’s not talking about self-care spa days and meditation apps. The actor, author, and devout Bahá'í joins Amy and Rebecca to share what he’s learned about the purpose of life, the beauty of Star Trek, and redefining what’s sacred. There may also be a spoiler about The Meg in there too. He is the author of NYT Best Seller “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution”. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

Oct 24, 202353 minSeason 9Ep. 4

Lisa Ling Lives With Her In Laws (And It’s Great)

Healing is a b*tch. How do we break the cycle of generational trauma? Lisa Ling’s got some answers (and, yes, it might involve plant medicine). The celebrated journalist, executive producer, TV host,author and mother sits with Rebecca and Amy to share about her journey to heal her familial bonds, her compassion for her mom, and her hard-won friendship with her religious Korean mother-in-law (IYKYK). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co...

Oct 17, 202354 minSeason 9Ep. 3

Chani Nicholas Starts Fresh Every New Moon

She’s beauty, she’s grace, she's a reader of the galaxy, Chani Nicholas. The internet’s favorite astrologer and activist joins Amy and Rebecca to drop some knowledge about what the new moon means, how astrology is a predictive tool that can guide our decisions, and what any of it has to do with celebrity breakups (TLDR: A LOT). Chani also reminds us that it’s OK to not know everything. Get your chart and let Chani inspire you to your sense of purpose and service. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...

Oct 10, 202331 minSeason 9Ep. 2

Randall Park Knows How To Live

Not everything we do is everything we will ever do, Randall Park reminds us. To kick off the season, Amy and Rebecca are joined by one of their favorite actors who also happens to be one of the kindest, most generous, most delightful friends and raconteurs around. Randall talks about the challenges of being like-able and making art that’s not for everyone. He also answers a burning mash-up question: is it possible to be too into Koreans? Where’s the line? We're live in NYC on October 11! Tickets...

Oct 03, 202344 minSeason 9Ep. 1

New Season: The Ultimate Guide To A Mash-Up Life

What’s the recipe for your best hyphen life? Starting October 3, join us for a season exploring the Ultimate Guide to a Mash-Up Life. This is a season of conversations with Mash-Up dignitaries including Randall Park, Lisa Ling, Chani Nicholas and Rainn Wilson filled with the essential tips for a rich, vibrant, boundless life. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, and we’ll guide you through a unified approach to The Culture. Listen, follow and share with your friends! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...

Sep 26, 20231 minSeason 9Ep. 1

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom - Ep. 10 - Love & Noraebang

Ana and Jaesun have the heart to heart they’ve been waiting months to have. And we find ourselves back where it all started — the noraebang . This is Episode 10 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin H. Min Sookmin / June Yoon Credits: Produced by Sonoro and The Mash-Up A...

Aug 03, 202316 minSeason 8Ep. 10

Heart Full Of Soul - Ep. 9 - Love & Noraebang

Chloe shows the girls around Seoul, and Ana gains a deeper understanding of the man she loves while Valentina lives her kpop fantasies. Jaesun returns home from the army to the biggest surprise of his life. This is Episode 9 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin H. Min S...

Aug 02, 202317 minSeason 8Ep. 9

Stop Your Sobbing - Ep. 8 - Love & Noraebang

Ana, Valentina, and Mark say goodbye to Don Dago’s, and Mark says goodbye to Ana. Sookmin reveals the villain that has been masterminding things all along. Chloe presents the sisters with an opportunity of a lifetime — and the Campos sisters head to Seoul. This is Episode 8 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Jul...

Aug 01, 202322 minSeason 8Ep. 8

Games People Play - Ep. 7 - Love & Noraebang

Ana attempts to clear the air with Chloe, who learns something that may change everything for the future of Don Dago’s — and the future of Ana and Jaesun. This is Episode 7 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin H. Min Sookmin / June Yoon Credits: Produced by Sonoro and T...

Jul 31, 202314 minSeason 8Ep. 7

Since U Been Gone - Ep. 6 - Love & Noraebang

Mark confesses his lifelong love for Ana. Chloe shares what she’s seen with Jaesun. Jaesun confronts Ana, and all the truths they’ve been holding back tumble out. This is Episode 6 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin H. Min Sookmin / June Yoon Credits: Produced by Sono...

Jul 30, 202315 minSeason 8Ep. 6

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Ep. 5 - Love & Noraebang

Ana finally faces up to the devastating news that Don D**o’s is closing down and breaks the news to her restaurant family. Later, Chloe sees Ana and Mark … in a kiss. This is Episode 5 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin H. Min Sookmin / June Yoon Credits: Produced by ...

Jul 29, 202311 minSeason 8Ep. 5

We Belong Together - Ep. 4 - Love & Noraebang

Jaesun struggles to escape his rich kid reputation in the military. Ana struggles with business debts piling up at home. Neither of them communicate, and the tension threatens to unravel their long distance romance. This is Episode 4 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams, Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Francia Raisa Federica / Ana Gonzalez Bello Mark / Rafael Torres Chloe / Julia Cho Kunwoo / Steve Lim Jaesun / Justin...

Jul 28, 202312 minSeason 8Ep. 4

You Can’t Always Get What You Want - Ep. 3 - Love & Noraebang

Jaesun reunites with his billionaire business magnate father, Sookmin, who reminds him that their enemies are always watching, especially after his big victory in LA. Meanwhile, Ana gets some confusing and disturbing news about her own business, but she, Valentina and Mark resolve to figure it out together, as they always have. This is Episode 3 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams. Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / Randall Park Ana / Fra...

Jul 27, 202319 minSeason 8Ep. 3

Fabulous Places - Ep. 2 - Love & Noraebang

Jaesun and Ana’s whirlwind romance takes them across all the most delicious spots in LA and Mexico City, and Ana finds herself, despite her best efforts, falling in love. Unfortunately, Jaesun’s time in LA is up, and it’s time for him to return to Korea for his military service. Ana leans on her sister, Valentina, and her bestie, Mark, for comfort. This is Episode 2 of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams, Link to Script Cast: Los Angeles / R...

Jul 26, 202322 minSeason 8Ep. 2

Gonna Sing You My Love Song - Ep. 1 - Love & Noraebang

You are listening to the first episode of Love and Noraebang from The Mash-Up Americans, the Kdrama RomCom of your California Dreams, Jaesun Choi, heir to a Korean chaebol, celebrates a huge work win with his cousin Chloe and his besties at Don Dago’s, his favorite Mexican restaurant in LA, where he fancies the cocktails, the mole, AND the owner, the gorgeous and brilliant Ana Campos. Jaesun finally gets the guts to ask Ana out to noraebang — an invitation she’s been waiting months for — and the...

Jul 25, 202320 minSeason 8Ep. 1

Romance For Your Ears - The KDrama Telenovela of Your California Dreams

It's summer and we're listening to reggaeton and going to the noraebang to sing Alanis Morissette. And we're watching romcoms! The Mash-Up Americans turns 10 this fall, and so we are doing all sorts of celebrating. In honor of bringing some joy to our Mash-Ups, over the next 10 days we're sharing our chart topping podcast Love & Noraebang ! It's the most happy, joyful, fun Mash-Up love story starring Randall Park, Justin H. Min and Francia Raisa. Starting Tuesday, July 25 each day you will g...

Jul 24, 202311 min
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