About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of Asian American identity in the context of AANHPI Heritage Month, highlighting current concerns and cultural representation.

What does it mean to be American? What does it mean to be Asian American — and why, in 2026, are so many of us still leading with worry ? Today, in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we're diving into the TAAF STAATUS Index 2026 by unpacking some stats that are eye-opening, some that are infuriating, and some that are deeply familiar. We'll talk about how Asian Americans are seen - and how we see ourselves - from the food on our plates to the question of whether you even have to be born here to belong here. It's AANHPI Heritage Month, and we have some thoughts (unsurprising to all of our regular listeners, we're sure!). If this episode resonates with you, please share widely - and let us know what action step you decided to take after listening. What to listen for: The latest data shows that Asian Americans in 2026 feel predominantly worried right now (compared to other groups who feel more "hopeful") - here's why we think that might be, and it may not be the why that's most common What does it mean to be American? Do you have to be born in the US? And why do so many folks of Asian descent feel you don't have to be born here to be American? How Asian culture shows up in our homes…

People in this episode

Hosts: Sara, Misasha

Topics covered

• AANHPI Heritage Month
• Asian American identity
• cultural representation
• community concerns
• self-perception

Keywords

• Asian American
• AANHPI Heritage Month
• identity
• cultural representation
• TAAF STAATUS Index
• community
• self-perception
• worry
• hope

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TAAF STAATUS Index

More episodes of What Do You Mean By That?

• 27: The History of Hate · June 2, 2026 · 55 min
• 25: From Almost High School Dropout to Stanford Law to Fighting for All Of Us: Using Legal Skills as a Force for Good, with Luke Liss · May 5, 2026 · 34 min
• 24: Are White Men Smarter Than Everyone Else? With Steve Phillips · April 21, 2026 · 46 min
• 23: 7 Years, One Big Rebrand, and Everything We Know Now: An Honest Anniversary Conversation · April 7, 2026 · 25 min
• 22: Where Do You Belong? Multi-Ethnic Identity and Citizenship with Megumi Nishikura · March 24, 2026 · 32 min
• 21: Fixing Fairness: The Future of DEI, Workplace Equity, and Organizational Change, with Lily Zheng · March 10, 2026 · 45 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What Do You Mean By That? podcast page.