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On the show
From 11 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
The Courage to Lose: Lanhee Chen on Embracing Failure and Finding Success
Jun 17, 2026
53m 09s
From Houseboy to Governor: How Gary Locke’s Family Traveled the Longest Mile in America
May 13, 2026
Why Billions Weren’t Enough: Youku Co-Founder Victor Koo on Finding Inner Peace
Apr 22, 2026
1h 02m 59s
Why Crashing at 100mph Didn't Stop Samantha Tan from Breaking Barriers in Car Racing
Mar 18, 2026
59m 53s
Kristi Yamaguchi on Determination, Representation, and Becoming an Olympic Champion
Feb 16, 2026
1h 07m 35s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/17/26 | ![]() The Courage to Lose: Lanhee Chen on Embracing Failure and Finding Success | The Aconic Podcast welcomes Lanhee Chen, a Hoover Institution fellow at Stanford, CNN’s first AAPI political commentator, and host of “Crossing the Lines,” discussing how “losing well” shaped his values, resilience, and commitment to balanced, empathetic political discourse.Chen shares his immigrant family background from Taiwan, growing up from a small Midwestern town to Southern California’s evolving Asian American communities, and the formative impact of watching the 1988 Bush–Dukakis debate that sparked his interest in democracy and debate.He recounts early setbacks like losing a freshman class president race, building programs like mock trial and Junior State, and spending a decade at Harvard before moving to Washington with no job and taking risks to build a policy career, including advising George W. Bush’s reelection effort and serving as Mitt Romney’s chief policy advisor.The conversation covers his bipartisan public service appointments, his 2022 run for California State Controller focused on accountability and ROI for taxpayers, lessons from losing as a candidate, and his advice for AAPI leadership: take risks, expect a non-linear path, and sustain civil, substantive dialogue. | 53m 09s | ||||||
| 5/13/26 | ![]() From Houseboy to Governor: How Gary Locke’s Family Traveled the Longest Mile in America✨ | immigrationidentity+5 | Gary Locke | U.S. governmentChina | Seattle | Gary Lockeimmigrant family+8 | — | — | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Why Billions Weren’t Enough: Youku Co-Founder Victor Koo on Finding Inner Peace✨ | inner peacesuccess+4 | Victor Koo | YoukuAconic Podcast+3 | — | YoukuVictor Koo+5 | — | 1h 02m 59s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Why Crashing at 100mph Didn't Stop Samantha Tan from Breaking Barriers in Car Racing✨ | car racingmotorsports+3 | Samantha Tan | BMW | Canada | Samantha Tancar racing+5 | — | 59m 53s | |
| 2/16/26 | ![]() Kristi Yamaguchi on Determination, Representation, and Becoming an Olympic Champion✨ | determinationrepresentation+5 | Kristi Yamaguchi | Always DreamAsian American community+1 | — | Kristi YamaguchiOlympic gold+7 | — | 1h 07m 35s | |
| 1/21/26 | ![]() From Netflix's "Love in Taipei" to the Future of Storytelling | Abigail Hing Wen & Ashley Liao✨ | creativityidentity+5 | Abigail Hing WenAshley Liao | HollywoodAI+2 | — | mental healthcreativity+6 | — | — | |
| 12/17/25 | ![]() Jane Marie Chen: Why A Million Lives Saved Can't Fix What Is Broken Inside✨ | resilienceleadership+4 | Jane Marie Chen | Embrace InnovationsLike a Wave We Break | — | resilienceleadership+7 | — | 1h 17m 47s | |
| 11/19/25 | ![]() Dan Tani: From Internment Camps to the International Space Station✨ | resiliencespace exploration+5 | Dan Tani | AconicStanford GSB Asian Alumni Chapter | Japan | Dan Taniastronaut+8 | — | 1h 00m 55s | |
| 10/15/25 | ![]() From Joy Luck Club to the Oscars: How Janet Yang Made AAPI Stories Mainstream in Hollywood | EP:23✨ | AAPI representationHollywood+4 | Janet Yang | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesGold House+2 | — | AAPI storiesHollywood+8 | — | — | |
| 9/18/25 | ![]() Jeremy Lin Opens Up: Why He Retired and What Comes Next | EP:22✨ | retirementmental health+4 | Jeremy Lin | FoundationAconic Podcast | — | Jeremy Linretirement+5 | — | — | |
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| 8/13/25 | ![]() Clinical Professor of Medicine, Dr. Bryant Lin, Hosted by Soon Yu✨ | healthcarelung cancer+4 | Dr. Bryant Lin | Center for Asian Health Research and EducationStanford+1 | — | lung cancerhealth research+5 | — | — | |
| 7/16/25 | ![]() Founder & CEO of Zum, Ritu Narayan, Hosted by Soon Yu✨ | entrepreneurshiptechnology+4 | Ritu Narayan | Zum | IndiaSilicon Valley | Ritu NarayanZum+5 | — | — | |
| 7/2/25 | ![]() CEO of Weee!, Larry Liu, Hosted by Soon Yu | From Side Hustles to Direct Delivery: Larry Liu’s Journey to Building Weee! In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Larry Liu, the CEO of Weee!, America's largest online Asian supermarket. Larry delves into his immigrant journey, the early challenges in America, and his relentless hustle from reselling backpacks to launching Weee!. They discuss Larry's initial struggles to secure funding and how, through sheer determination and community support, he pivoted Weee! from a group-buying model to a successful grocery delivery service. Larry's story underscores the importance of resilience, leveraging community networks, and the ability to pivot for entrepreneurial success. His journey is a testament to how recognizing and addressing the fundamental needs of underserved communities can lead to groundbreaking business opportunities. 01:57 Larry Liu Growing up06:09 His First Side Hustle08:58 From Friends to Co-Founders11:36 Coming to the US17:08 Early Days in Folsom and the Seed of an Idea32:38 The Birth of Weee!33:47 Early Challenges and Self-Funding49:16 The Pivot to Grocery Delivery59:51 Future Plans and Vision | — | ||||||
| 6/18/25 | ![]() ACONIC Rising: Miss Asia USA 2024, Tiffany Chang, Hosted by Soon Yu | ACONIC Rising: Stanford, Robots, and a Tiara: The Unconventional Reign of Tiffany ChangThis episode is part of our new series ACONIC Rising, which features younger guests on their journey to becoming Aconic. In this episode, Miss Asia USA Tiffany Chang shares her journey from an introverted knitter to a Stanford student, nonprofit founder, and pageant titleholder defying stereotypes. She opens up about overcoming discrimination, embracing her Taiwanese heritage, and proving that leadership and advocacy belong in the pageant world. She also speaks about her various accomplishments, including founding a nonprofit, Mad Hatter Knits, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment. 1:55 Tiffany's Accomplishments and Overcoming Bias 4:07 Growing Up Taiwanese American 7:50 Finding Confidence and Voice 15:01 Mad Hatter Knits: A Nonprofit Journey 18:44 The Influence of Strong Female Role Models 21:30 The Pageantry Experience: Miss Taiwanese American 33:52 Advice for the Next Generation | — | ||||||
| 6/4/25 | ![]() Co-founder of Redpoint Ventures, Geoff Yang, Hosted by Soon Yu | Geoff Yang, co-founder of Redpoint Ventures : From Building Network Routers to Building a Network of Entrepreneurs, Hip Hop Artists and OlympiansIn this episode of the Aconic Podcast, Soon Yu interviews venture capital titan and Redpoint Ventures co-founder Geoff Yang as he shares his extraordinary journey of building influential networks that extend far beyond Silicon Valley. From early bets on game-changing companies like Netflix, Uber, and Snowflake, Geoff's vision has shaped industries. Discover how he's leveraged his leadership as head of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation and forged connections with icons across sports, entertainment, and hip hop. Geoff delves into the leadership principles, resilience, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationships that have defined his success.3:00 - Immigrant roots: Growing up in a Chinese family with strong educational values.9:00 - The secret to success: Passion for the journey, not just financial gain.14:00 - Geoff’s advice for entrepreneurs.24:00 - The myth of “all or nothing” risk-taking: Why measured risk is key.29:00 - Blending passions: How Geoff’s love for sports led to leadership roles in skiing, golf, and basketball.39:00 - Creating Auron: Using science and technology to optimize health and longevity. 49:00 - 10 Personal Values Geoff Lives By: A blueprint for a meaningful life. | — | ||||||
| 5/21/25 | ![]() Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Lisa Ling, Hosted by Soon Yu | Lisa Ling, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist: How Family Sacrifice and a Hunger for Truth Shaped One of America’s Most Fearless Reporters Join host, Soon Yu on the Aconic Podcast for a deeply reflective conversation with journalist Lisa Ling. In this episode, Lisa opens up about the forces that have shaped her remarkable journey: grappling with identity as an outsider, confronting early career racism, and the poignant experience of reconnecting with her mother. Discover how these personal crossroads ignited her powerful commitment to amplifying the voices often unheard, and how her relentless curiosity and empathy have shifted perspectives across America. From her courageous early reporting in Afghanistan to the determined effort to bring her sister home from North Korea, Lisa shares the human stories that underpin her impactful career. 02:15 – How Connie Chung Inspired Lisa's Career09:30 – How Childhood Alienation Built Lisa's Deep Empathy24:10 – Becoming a War Correspondent at 21 Years Old37:00 – A Crushing Act of Racism Early in Lisa's Career44:00 – Healing a Broken Relationship with Her Mother1:04:00 – Leading the Effort to Free Her Sister from North Korea1:12:00 – Lisa's Mission: Giving a Voice to the Invisible | 1h 13m 38s | ||||||
| 5/7/25 | ![]() Former Sect. of Transportation & Labor, Elaine Chao, Hosted by Soon Yu | From Cargo Ship Passenger to Secretary of Transportation: The Trailblazing Legacy of Secretary Elaine Chao In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey—from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose. In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman—and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell. In this inspiring episode, Soon sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey - from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman - and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.Released in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this episode is a moving tribute to family, perseverance, and the enduring power of the American dream. Packed with wisdom, humor, and hard-won lessons, Secretary Chao's story is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on leadership, legacy, and staying true to your roots. 1:00 Breaking Barriers & Firsts2:49 The Power of Family & Heritage5:00 Her Parents’ Love Story & Escape from China8:17 Life on a Cargo Ship to America19:40 Her Father Teaching Her English at Night35:00 Championing the Asian American Museum38:19 Overcoming Hardship & Public Criticism44:00 Asian-American Superpower: Listening & Sensitivity46:35 Meeting Mitch McConnell52:00 Commemorating the Chinese Railroad Workers | 1h 07m 51s | ||||||
| 4/23/25 | ![]() CEO of Ohai.ai, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Hosted by Soon Yu | Balancing Babies, Books, and Boardrooms: The Inspiring Journey of Sheila Lirio Marcelo In this heartfelt episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon interviews Sheila Marcelo, the visionary entrepreneur behind Care.com and Ohai.ai. From navigating an unplanned pregnancy as a 20 year old sophomore in college to founding a company that became a lifeline for millions of families, Sheila’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen as Sheila reveals the trials and triumphs that shaped her career and life, how she balanced family demands with her undeniable ambition, and the emotional moments that reinforced her mission to make a societal impact. Discover the deeply personal story behind her drive to revolutionize the care industry and her latest venture in AI-driven personal assistance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of resilience, love, and technological innovation to create meaningful change. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a devoted parent, or simply someone looking for a story to ignite your own passions, Sheila Marcelo’s incredible journey will leave you moved and motivated. 02:15 - Sheila’s Early Life and Struggles with Young Motherhood 10:45 - Founding Care.com and Its Impact on Millions of Families 22:30 - Balancing Family Life with the Demands of Entrepreneurship 33:15 - The Emotional Turning Points in Sheila’s Mission 47:00 - The Launch and Vision Behind Ohai.ai 55:30 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Innovators | 1h 03m 04s | ||||||
| 4/9/25 | ![]() CEO & Executive Chairman of Gold House, Bing Chen, Hosted by Soon Yu | The Future Will Be Bought: How Bing Chen is Funding the Way In this episode, Soon welcomes Bing Chen, the visionary founder of Gold House, a cultural ecosystem championing Asian creativity. The discussion covers Bing's remarkable journey, his influences, and the transformative work of Gold House. From his beginnings, the impact of losing his father, to his pivotal role at YouTube in shaping the creator economy, Bing's story is one of resilience and innovation. The episode dives into the intricacies of cultural representation, the economic impact of Gold Open, and a sneak peek into his upcoming creative franchise. Join us to explore how Bing is redefining mainstream culture and empowering the next generation of creators. 00:39 Bing Chen's Background and Achievements07:48 Gold House and Asian Representation17:38 The Creator Economy and YouTube26:10 Leaving YouTube and Future Plans29:28 A Failed Startup Experience44:33 The Birth of Gold House47:34 Upcoming Creative Projects | 51m 32s | ||||||
| 3/26/25 | ![]() Chief Evangelist of Canva, Guy Kawasaki, Hosted by Soon Yu | Embracing Growth, Grit, and Grace with Guy Kawasaki. In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Guy Kawasaki, the renowned evangelist for Apple and Canva, author of 16 books, and the host of the 'Remarkable People' podcast. Guy expounds on his philosophy around the three G's: growth, grit, and grace, and how they've shaped his career and life. He shares personal anecdotes, from his early days in Honolulu, his time at Stanford, and his pivotal role at Apple, to his remarkable journey in tech and beyond. With humor and honesty, Guy talks about the challenges of starting new ventures, the importance of having a growth mindset, and the joy of lifelong learning. He also delves into the significance of community, kindness, and using technology to enhance human connectivity. 01:07 Guy Kawasaki's Evangelism and Career Highlights04:21 The Spirit of Aloha and Ohana13:56 Educational Journey and Early Career21:51 Transition to Apple and the Importance of Sales26:45 Leaving Apple: The Real Story33:57 The Return to Apple and Missed Opportunities39:33 Remarkable People: Growth, Grit, and Grace46:26 The Power of Grit and Overcoming Challenges50:19 The Grace Mindset and Legacy | 56m 53s | ||||||
| 3/12/25 | ![]() Mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval, Hosted by Soon Yu | Intentional Leadership with Mayor Aftab Pureval. In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Aftab Pureval, the mayor of Cincinnati, who shares his inspiring journey from his immigrant family's experiences to his leadership in public office. Pureval discusses his career trajectory, starting from his early days in student government to his role as clerk of courts, where he tackled systemic challenges head-on. He opens up about the hardships and public scrutiny he faced, particularly after losing a congressional race and the lessons learned in balancing personal convictions and public service. Pureval also highlights the importance of intentional leadership, community service, and conflict resolution. He offers a powerful call to action for more AAPI individuals to engage in public service, emphasizing the transformative impact and fulfillment that comes with making a difference in the community. 04:16 Aftab's Family Background and Heritage07:28 The American Dream and Public Service13:10 Early Political Aspirations and Challenges21:23 Embracing Identity and Overcoming Barriers28:58 Building Bridges in a Hostile Environment31:03 Leadership and Vulnerability33:14 Conflict Resolution and Setting Standards40:40 Facing Public Defeat and Bouncing Back41:56 The Accidental Mayor47:50 The Importance of Running for Office | 54m 52s | ||||||
| 2/26/25 | ![]() Award-Winning Novelist, Charles Yu, Hosted by Soon Yu | In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu speaks with Charles Yu, award-winning novelist and executive producer of Hulu's 'Interior Chinatown'. They dive into Charles' journey from a career in law to becoming a celebrated writer, focusing on his struggles and breakthroughs. The discussion covers the moment when he almost gave up on writing 'Interior Chinatown' and how he overcame it. They also touch on navigating life as a 'B' player, the impact of living on the margins, and balancing traditional expectations with creative aspirations. Charles shares insights into the innovative narrative techniques in 'Interior Chinatown', his Hollywood experiences, and the influences of his immigrant background. 06:42 Balancing Traditional Expectations with Creative Aspirations13:59 Transition to Law and Continued Passion for Writing32:05 Facing Career Uncertainty35:51 Creating Interior Chinatown39:32 Addressing Asian American Experiences49:41 Reflecting on Success and Future Plans | 57m 33s | ||||||
| 2/12/25 | ![]() CEO of Hubspot, Yamini Rangan, Hosted by Soon Yu | Yamini Rangan: From Small Town Dreams to Leading HubSpot. In this episode of Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu, along with co-host Tina Shah Paikeday, interviews Yamini Rangan, CEO of HubSpot. The conversation covers Yamini's inspiring journey from a small town in India, to leading a prominent software company. Yamini shares personal anecdotes about overcoming gender biases in engineering school, adapting to a new life in the U.S., and transitioning from engineering to sales. She discusses the significance of authentic leadership, the importance of embracing feedback, and her vision for supporting more women into C-suite roles. The episode highlights her approach to customer-centricity, learning from challenges, and the empowering impact of dreaming big. 03:17 Yamini's Early Life06:22 Dreams and Aspirations: Moving to the U.S.13:21 First Steps in America15:19 Transition to Berkeley and Career Beginnings16:47 Challenges and Success in Sales26:29 Embracing Authenticity in Personal and Professional Life28:18 The Hero's Journey and Career Struggles29:36 Rewriting the Playbook: From Individual Contributor to Leader34:06 Unexpected Path to CEO: A Journey of Resilience39:28 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Purpose42:44 Future Aspirations and Mentorship Goals | 47m 04s | ||||||
| 1/29/25 | ![]() CEO of Rothy's, Jenny Ming, Hosted by Soon Yu | In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu engages in an honest and candid conversation with Jenny Ming, a prominent Asian-American leader and the CEO of Rothy's, a fast growing fashion company endorsed by. Jenny shares her remarkable journey, from immigrating to the U.S. as a child to rising through the ranks to leadership roles at top fashion brands, including Co-Founder and First President of Old Navy and CEO of Charlotte Russe. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced (including the moments of failure) emphasizing the importance of resilience, admitting mistakes, and leveraging her immigrant background. They delve into her management philosophy, the significance of team dynamics, and the pivot points in her career. The episode also touches on Jenny's extensive work on various corporate boards and her continuous efforts to mentor and uplift the AAPI community. 04:23 Jenny Ming's Immigrant Journey06:05 From Home Economics to Fashion Buying14:51 Joining The Gap: A Career Defining Moment23:17 Launching Old Navy: A New Venture26:44 Reflecting on the Journey to Leadership28:57 Cultural Influences and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome30:51 Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics32:05 Challenges and Lessons of Failure from Charlotte Russe40:16 Navigating Boards and Mentorship47:48 Stepping into the Role at Rothy's | 51m 31s | ||||||
| 1/15/25 | ![]() Managing Director of Altos Ventures, Ho Nam, Hosted by Soon Yu | Ho Nam: Resilience and Reinvention. In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Ho Nam, Managing Director of Altos Ventures. The conversation delves into Ho's upbringing in Korea, his family's immigration journey to the U.S., and the socio-economic challenges they faced. Ho shares insights into the founding and evolution of Altos Ventures over three decades, highlighting the shift from a feeder fund model to a value-focused investment strategy inspired by Warren Buffett. He opens up about personal struggles, particularly during the firm's challenging second decade, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and individual relationships. The episode underscores the significance of personal growth, mentorship, and the transformative power of community support. 02:09 A Journey from Korea to the U.S.12:46 Rodney King Riots: A Test of Community Bonds21:58 The Early Struggles of Altos Ventures30:48 Facing Potential Pullout and Fundraising Struggles37:53 The Hedgehog Strategy: Investing in Founders46:20 Personal Struggles and Seeking Help59:21 Looking Forward: The Next Generation of Investors | 56m 18s | ||||||
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