MIXUNDERSTOOD

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Emi and Philip, a multicultural couple whose relationship has spanned continents and navigated countless challenges. Meeting in the U.S. in the early 2000s—before the convenience of Zoom calls and smartphones—Emi, who is Japanese, and Philip, who is English/Australian, embarked on a long-distance relationship that tested their resolve, patience, and commitment.

Their journey takes...

What would you do to keep your family together during the most challenging times? In this episode, we’re discussing a story of sacrifice, resilience, and the lengths one woman went to in order to stay with her family. During World War II, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps across the United States. In the midst of this, one woman made an unthinkable choice. Elaine B...

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Tina and Nacho, a couple whose whirlwind romance began on Tinder in Miami and has taken them across continents to settle in Buenos Aires. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and navigating cultural clichés as they merge their lives together.

Join us as we explore what it’s like to be in a long-distance international relationship and the realities of moving to a...

Ever wondered how a fiercely independent academic from Boston could end up embracing the traditional role of a Japanese housewife? Tracy Slater, acclaimed author of The Good Shufu: Finding Love, Self, and Home on the Far Side of the World, joins us to unravel her incredible journey. From teaching in men's prisons to becoming a shufu in Japan, Tracy's story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and unexpected love.

In this episo...

In this episode, we sit down with Punita Khanna, a first-generation Indian Punjabi immigrant and co-author of Mixed Daisies: Stories of Multiracial South Asians. As the mother of Rahul, featured in Episode 27, Punita reflects on her journey of raising a mixed-race child in a context where such families were relatively rare.

Punita shares her experiences of feeling like an outsider—facing discrimination as a brown person in the Unit...

In this episode, we sit down with Rahul Arjun John Yates, founder of HumSub Global Teen and co-creator of Mixed-Desis: Stories of Multi-racial South Asians as he opens up about his unique journey as a multiracial teen in Los Angeles. Growing up with an Indian Punjabi mother and a White father, Rahul navigated the complexities of multicultural identity, which eventually led to the creation of a global platform supporting mixed-race ...

We are taking a little side chat, a break from our season's theme of mixed relationships and family dynamics, because guess what? Mixunderstood and yours truly, Hanna-Lee, went to our first event for mixed people!

This episode is a bit different from our usual format. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Free to Be Fest, a celebration of the mixed experience, right here in downtown LA.

The Free to Be Fest is an amazing ev...

In part 1, we explored what it was like for Maria Fernanda growing up as a mixed-race transracial adoptee. We delved into the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, what it was like growing up with white parents, and being in an interracial relationship and getting pregnant unexpectedly. Becoming a young mom was a turning point for Maria Fernanda, who says it was the moment of “coming out of the fog” when she started to...

How does a transracial adoptee navigate the intricate tapestry of identity, culture, and belonging? Join us as Maria Fernanda, a passionate advocate and voice for adoptees, shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey from Quito, Ecuador, to her adoptive home in the United States. Maria's story is one of resilience and determination, as she unveils the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, the painstaking process ...

Identity is not a destination but a journey, especially for transracial adoptees. In this Episode we are diving into the conversation around transracial and transcultural adoption. I am honored to host Patrick Samuel Young Armstrong, a multifaceted individual, a podcaster, speaker, creator and a new father. Patrick's journey as a Korean-American, transracial and transcultural adoptee is a profound exploration of identity and accept...

In this Episode we're spotlighting Shola Oz, the author of the children’s book “I am whole” 

Growing up as a first-generation immigrant in the bustling and diverse city of London, Shola learned early on to embrace and celebrate people from all walks of life.

Shola's path to authorship was anything but conventional. Motivated by the lack of positive representation for mixed-race children, she was inspired to write "I Am Whole" after...

In this episode, I chat with sisters Kim Serena and Mareike Matthies. Raised in Munich, they now navigate the challenges of intercultural family life, with partners from Venezuela and Italy, bringing a rich mix of languages and cultures into their homes. Through their project, "A Couple of Cultures," Kim and Mareike help other intercultural couples by sharing personal stories and professional tips on raising bilingual kids and blen...

In this episode, we sit down with licensed psychologist Dr. Jennifer Noble, also known as Dr. Jenn, and delve into the challenges and limitations that might arise when raising mixed race kids and learn how to ownership of the process.

We also have a second surprise visit by my former co-host Amy Maghera! 

Dr. Jenn shares invaluable insights on supporting mixed race kids, navigating racial identity, and overcoming microaggressions. ...

 In today's unique episode, we're exploring the remarkable story of Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil Ha, one of the earliest mixed-race couples in Latin American history. Gonzalo, a Spanish sailor, and Zazil Ha, a Mayan princess, came together to create a family that symbolized the merging of Spanish and indigenous cultures, marking the origins of the mestizo identity. This episode provides a vivid picture of the early 1500s in the Yucat...

Joining us today are Dawn Ellinwood and Elimu Nelson, an inspiring interracial couple who, after navigating the challenges of each raising their own children and primarily dating within their own racial backgrounds, now find themselves together, in their 50s, maintaining a strong connection despite their semi-long distance relationship. Tune in to hear about Dawn’s experience around transracial adoption as a mother to her two daugh...

In today’s Episode we have a special appearance from someone you already know pretty well, It's a pre-recorded conversation with my former co-host and dear friend, Amy, before she embarked on her next adventure which is around the corner - Baby number 2! 

In this oh so  intimate discussion, Amy and I delve into our experiences growing up in mixed-race households, exploring the impact our parents' marriage had on us as children as w...

Some of you might recall today’s guests from Season 1’s finale episode about Holiday Tales from around the world. 

They are the sweetest couple you’ve ever met -  Gabriella & Rakesh Zope. Gabriella is a psychologist from Hungary, Rakesh an Ayurveda doctor from India, and they currently live in Budapest.

Together, they’ve worked to integrate their different expertise to guide and support intercultural couples through the intrica...

Step into the world of cross-cultural dating with First-generation Japanese-American Mami Sugita!

In this episode, Mami opens up about her whirlwind journey through relationships that span continents, cultures, and a whole lot of soul-searching.

Mami shares candid insights into the challenges and misunderstandings that shaped each romantic encounter. But beyond the typical relationship hurdles, Mami delves into the nuances of navig...

Welcome to the second season of MixUnderstood, as we continue to explores the interracial and intercultural experiences. In our first season, we shared our personal stories as well as our collective journey in the entertainment industry, all centering around what it means to be 'mixed.'

In this new season,  we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of interracial relationships, diverse family dynamics, and so much more. 

With Amy emb...