Podcasts, blogs, and media

I’ve been thinking about media a lot lately.  Especially after starting this blog and my new Culture Chat Podcast. Anyone who knows me knows that I have always been opposed to ‘social media’.  I miss the intimacy of getting a personal call from a friend with big news, instead of an announcement on Facebook.  I appreciate the personal touch of a hand written postcard, versus an email, although don’t get me wrong, I love email!  I am still reluctant to completely embrace social media, but see it as a necessity.  I have been slowly adapting to the changes of the way the majority receives information and have tried to see the positive in this inevitable change. (hence @sifumimichan on twitter and instagram!)

Over the Sifu Test weekend, my social media consultant Lei Ann R. (aka @leiannoffduty), told me something that resonated and helped me open my mind even more.  Instead of seeing it as a chore of hoping to get more viewers, likes, or comments; I should just enjoy documenting the journey and capturing the moments.  For example over the weekend, sharing on Instagram our moments of laughter, pain, or serious kung fu work.

I am grateful for the feedback I have received in regards to this blog, and I have truly enjoyed my conversations on Culture Chat. The main reason I started the podcast was to find another creative outlet, share others’ stories, and connect with old friends. I wanted to subtitle the podcast ‘the most interesting people you never heard of’.  I’ve discovered that everyone has an interesting story to tell, and that we can all learn from each other… or just simply be entertained by true stories.

So instead of seeing it as a chore, podcasting has been something I really look forward to doing.  Maybe I’ve found my favorite media outlet.  I will also begrudgingly admit I used to make fun of husband, O, for constantly listening to podcasts all day every day.  Now, I am an avid listener and a podcaster myself! (In case you are interested, some of my favorites: The Ezra Klein Show, The Tim Ferris Show, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, Malcom Gladwell’s Revisionist History)

screen-shot-2017-04-14-at-3-06-32-pmI’ve enjoyed talking to my friends on Skype or in person, and sharing it through the podcast.  The best of both worlds!  I’ve been able to reconnect in a traditional way via a modern method.  There is a time and place for all the media madness, but I still love direct communication, and don’t think it will be a lost medium.  Especially since we are now finding ways to combine the best of both worlds.  I spoke to 3 friends this week that I haven’t spoken to in years!  Maybe we email here and there or text, but an actual conversation?  It’s been forever!  Using the podcast to reconnect has been a fun and fulfilling experience, and I am really enjoying it.  I am not spending all my time thinking about likes, and ratings (although it does help to have an audience… so please rate and like it! 😉 … instead just reconnecting with friends and having great conversations, while sharing these interesting stories with others.

While I still think social media can be a distraction, I am learning to see how it can connect us in a new way.  In short, I try to use it for good, and not evil.

Check out my podcast if you like this blog – you’ll meet some really interesting people from all around the globe!

Introducing… Culture Chat

drama

Dramatic? Me???

Although kung fu is a creative outlet, I often miss the career path I dabbled in years ago in acting and stunt work for film.  I miss the work, and it shows through some of my past projects like Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer and Journey to the West (right).

I was told by my partner in crime, O, that it was a good idea to start a blog.  O said that the life I lead is anything but typical, and that sharing the nuances of my day to day might be interesting to people.

It is my belief that if you say you are going to do something out loud to another person, it is more likely you will get it done.  So I am hoping that you will help hold me accountable to some of the projects I hope to accomplish this year.  I have received gracious feedback on Kung Fu POD, and I am hoping to film some new episodes.  

As a matter of fact we have a new one out this month, so please subscribe and check it out.  I am also hoping to launch an audio podcast, which will be a bit of a departure from my usual Wah Lum and kung fu related subjects.  I’d like to delve into different subcultures that I am passionate about and chat with experts in those areas. (comic books, film, music, food, other cultures and traditions, etc.)  Of course there will be some martial arts episodes, but I am hoping to explore new cultures and subcultures too.  The name of the podcast is Culture Chat.  Please  listen and don’t be too critical, since this is all fairly new for me.  I know so many interesting and knowledgable people, and I felt they should share their stories and wisdom with others.  The first few episodes have already been recorded, so I am hoping to post some of them soon.  When I get back from Brazil I will be working on getting it on iTunes.

During my travels in Brazil, I plan to continue to write this blog, and also work on the Culture Chat podcast.  So if you give it a chance, I think you’ll enjoy the chats.  I am also hoping you will hold me accountable to getting it done!  I am always interested in meeting new people from different cultures, so reach out and say hello and let me know if you would like to have a chat on my podcast!  Also, let me know what other subcultures you are interested in hearing about in the comment box below or on Twitter or Instagram.

SINCE THIS WAS PUBLISHED: I have an update!  I am already LIVE on iTunes and Google Play!

Please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes  my podcast and rate it!  I would love to hear feedback and thoughts on my current podcasts.  Thank you!
Listen on Google Play Music