A podcast exploring identity, mental health, culture, faith, and human stories from the in-between.

The Things Korean Americans Aren’t Supposed to Say | Nancy Lee한국인인데 미국 살면 생기는 일 😂 29.08.2026 57мин

Nancy Lee is a Korean American stand-up comedian, actor, and dating coach who turns culture, relationships, and everyday life into comedy.https://www.instagram.com/thenancyjlee/A Bay Area native and San Francisco-based performer, Nancy has been featured on HBO Max’s Ha Festival and the San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival, where she was the only woman to make the final showcase.In this episode of Take 1.5, Nancy gets real—and really funny—about growing up Korean American, navigating dating and relationships, and finding humor in the expectations and contradictions of modern life. We talk about cultural identity, love, confidence, and what it really takes to put yourself out there.Funny, honest, and unapologetically Korean American—Nancy proves that sometimes the best way to talk about life is to laugh at it.

I Got My Ph.D. So Why Didn’t I Become a Professor? 09.08.2026 47мин

What happens when you spend years pursuing a Ph.D., only to realize academia may not be the path you’re meant to follow?In this episode, I sit down with Summer Kim, a strategic researcher with a Ph.D. in Consumer Behavior, who made the bold transition from academia to industry. As a Third Culture Kid (TCK), Summer has spent her life navigating different cultures and environments—experiences that have shaped the way she understands identity, career choices, and adapting to change.We talk about redefining success, letting go of expectations, and finding a path that feels authentic—even when it looks different from what others imagined for you.Outside of her work, Summer shares her creative side through content featuring her adorable Russian Blue kitten, Bingsu (@bingsuinthesummer).Join us for a conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it means to create a life beyond the labels we’re given.

갱년기, 왜 이렇게 힘들까? 증상부터 해결 방법까지 Menopause: What’s Happening to Your Body—and How to Feel Better 01.08.2026 49мин

갱년기, 왜 이렇게 힘들까? 증상부터 해결 방법까지열감, 불면, 감정 기복, 피로감…갱년기, 왜 이렇게 힘들까요?이번 에피소드에서는 산부인과 전문의이자 임상심리사인 이예지 선생님과 함께 갱년기의 다양한 증상과 몸과 마음의 변화, 그리고 건강하게 관리하는 방법에 대해 이야기합니다.🩺 갱년기 증상 평가하기https://testjiji.medicaltica.com/self-test📍 진료: 서울미즈병원예약 시 “갱년기 증상 상담”을 원한다고 말씀하시면 됩니다.게스트 이예지 선생님:서울미즈병원 산부인과 전문의서울대학교병원 산부인과 전공의고려대학교 심리학·생명과학 / 서울대학교 의학전문대학원 / 컬럼비아대학교 MPH임상심리사 2급Menopause: Why Is It So Hard? Symptoms & What You Can DoHot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, fatigue…Why can menopause feel so difficult?In this episode, we talk with an OB-GYN and licensed clinical psychologist about common menopause symptoms, the changes happening in your body and mind, and practical ways to manage this stage of life.

Should Christians Stay Silent? Pastor Raymond Chang on Faith, Justice & Today's Divided World 21.07.2026 44мин

In this episode of Take 1.5 Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, pastor, writer, and ministry leader, to explore what Scripture says about living faithfully in politically and socially divided times.We talk about the difference between being political and being biblical, how Christians can engage difficult issues without losing compassion or conviction, why silence is not always neutrality, and what practical responsibility believers have toward their neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable. Rather than responding with fear, outrage, or avoidance, Raymond offers a thoughtful framework for pursuing truth, justice, humility, and hope.Whether you're wrestling with current events, feeling spiritually exhausted by the headlines, or wondering what faithful discipleship looks like today, this conversation offers biblical wisdom for navigating our world with courage, grace, and love.For ways to support and participate:Contact Asian American Christian Collaborativehttps://www.asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com/

Can Coloring Really Reduce Anxiety? An Art Therapist Explains불안한 우리 미술로 치료 할수 있을까? 12.07.2026 49мин

In this episode of Take 1.5 Podcast, we sit down with Sue Yi, a creative arts therapist who has dedicated her career to helping children and families heal through creativity. Growing up as an immigrant child in Queens, New York, Sue Yi understands firsthand the challenges of navigating identity, belonging, and cultural expectations.She shares how her own story shaped her calling and discusses her work as a creative arts therapist at Children's Day Preschool & Family Center and Charlie Health, where she supports children and families—including many from minority communities—through emotional and mental health challenges.Together, we explore how art therapy helps people process difficult emotions, why creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing, and what parents can do to better support their children's emotional well-being.Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health professional, or someone on your own healing journey, this conversation offers hope, insight, and a fresh perspective on the power of creativity.

She Left Tanzania for Korea—But Found Something Even Bigger 탄자니아 에서 온 서울여자 주보라씨의 하루 03.07.2026 45мин

In this episode of Take 1.5, we meet a woman whose journey from Tanzania to South Korea became far more than an international move. It became a calling.After leaving Tanzania in 2009 to pursue higher education in Korea, she found herself building a life between two cultures—and ultimately becoming a bridge between them. Today, she works in public relations, translation, interpretation, and diplomatic communications, connecting people, institutions, and opportunities across Tanzania and Korea.Together, we talk about identity, belonging, cultural diplomacy, and what it's like to call two countries home. We also explore the power of language, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and why creating meaningful human connections may be one of the most important forms of diplomacy.If you've ever felt caught between cultures, dreamed of living abroad, or wondered how one person can make a global impact, this conversation will leave you inspired.Because sometimes the biggest journey isn't the one across continents—it's the one that leads you to your purpose.

You're Probably Not Sleeping as Well as You Think| Sleep Researcher Dr. Hyun Kim 당신의 수면은 충분 할까요? 24.06.2026 56мин

We all know sleep matters—but most of us don't realize just how much it affects our brain, mental health, and long-term health.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Hyun Kim, a clinical psychologist and researcher at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, to explore the science of sleep. We discuss why quality sleep is essential, how poor sleep impacts memory, mood, and overall health, and what the latest research says about sleep and Alzheimer's disease.Dr. Hyun Kim (김현 박사)also shares practical, evidence-based tips to help you sleep better and protect your brain for years to come.

The Art of Nunchi: Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Modern Heirlooms 눈치로 만드는 주얼리, 그리고 창업 이야기 14.06.2026 41мин

What does it mean to create something that lasts for generations?In this episode of Take 1.5, I sit down with Jane Dua, founder of NUNCHI, a Korean-American fine jewelry brand redefining what modern heirlooms can be. Jane shares her journey as a Korean American entrepreneur, the inspiration behind building a jewelry company rooted in both heritage and contemporary design, and how culture continues to shape her work.We explore the meaning of "nunchi"—the uniquely Korean concept of social awareness and intuition—and how it influences leadership, creativity, and navigating life between cultures. Jane also opens up about entrepreneurship, family, identity, and the desire to create pieces that carry stories across generations.Whether you're interested in business, design, Korean culture, or the experiences of growing up between worlds, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into building something meaningful that honors both the past and the future.Jane DuaFounder, NUNCHIKorean-American Fine Jewelry & Modern [email protected] | @livenunchiNew York, NY

Serving the Overlooked: One Pastor's Mission 장애인과 함께 사회를 섬김니다 | 캐롤라이나 밀알 선교회 이승민 목사 03.06.2026 44мин

장애인과 함께 사회를 섬김니다캐롤라니나 밀알 선교단 704-860-1388 [email protected] Steve Lee is the Director of Carolina Milal, a ministry serving individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Charlotte community. A pastor, husband, and father of three, Steve has dedicated his life to building communities where every person is seen, valued, and supported.Steve's journey began when he immigrated to the United States at the age of 17, settling in Gastonia, North Carolina. Arriving as a teenager, he faced culture shock, racism, language barriers, and the challenges of finding his place in a new country. Those early struggles helped shape his resilience, compassion, and understanding of what it means to feel like an outsider.Steve later joined the United States Marine Corps, an experience that profoundly influenced his character, leadership, and faith. In this episode, Steve shares his immigration story, his experiences navigating life as a young newcomer in the South, his time in the Marines, and the calling that led him to disability ministry. We also discuss how churches and communities can become more inclusive, the unique challenges faced by families of individuals with disabilities, and why true belonging requires more than good intentions.This is a conversation about faith, perseverance, service, and the power of creating communities where everyone has a place.

How to Stand Out and Get Into Private Boarding School 보딩스쿨 합격생들은 뭐가 달랐을까 23.05.2026 45мин

What does it really take to stand out in private boarding school admissions?In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Kim — 🇺🇸 U.S. middle school math teacher & education consultant — to talk about boarding school admissions, extracurricular activities, and what schools are actually looking for in students today.🏫 Public & private school consulting📚 Extracurricular activity advising🍎 Online math classes & consulting inquiries: DMWhether you’re a student or parent interested in U.S. education and boarding schools, this conversation offers practical insight and real advice.미국 보딩스쿨과 사립학교는 어떤 학생을 원할까요?이번 영상에서는 🇺🇸 미국 중학교 수학 교사 & 미국 교육 컨설턴트 Rachel Kim 선생님과 함께 보딩스쿨 입시, extracurricular activity, 그리고 학생들이 어떻게 자신만의 강점을 만들어가는지 이야기 나눕니다.🏫 공립·사립 학교 상담 & Extracurricular Activity 상담🍎 수학 온라인 수업 · 컨설팅 문의 : DM미국 교육과 보딩스쿨에 관심 있는 학생, 학부모님들께 도움이 되는 현실적인 이야기들을 담았습니다.구독, 좋아요, 알림 설정 부탁드립니다 🤍#보딩스쿨 #미국교육 #사립학교 #유학 #미국학교 #Extracurricular #BoardingSchool

당신의 화는 진짜 문제가 아니다 — Why Your Anger Isn’t the Real Problem 07.05.2026 50мин

In this episode, I sit down with Susie Runkle, a Korean American Christian life coach, daughter of the King, wife, and mother of two teenage daughters, for an honest conversation about healing, anger, resentment, and emotional freedom. Susie shares her personal journey of working through childhood wounds, shame, and suppressed emotions while learning how to “adult” with peace and self-awareness.We talk about faith, identity, family dynamics, emotional triggers, and what it means to break unhealthy cycles instead of passing them down. Through vulnerability and wisdom, Susie offers encouragement for anyone struggling with anger, resentment, or feeling stuck in old patterns.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by shame, emotional pain, or unresolved wounds, this conversation is for you.Follow Susie:Instagram: @AdultingEmpoweredEmail: [email protected] for more conversations on mental health, identity, healing, and life in the in-between.

Not Okay? Here’s What to Do 괞찮은척은 이젠 그만 25.04.2026 43мин

When “I’m fine” stops being true, what’s the next step?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jang Cho, MD, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, to talk about how to recognize when you need help, what kind of support actually makes sense, and how to ask for it—even when it feels uncomfortable.We get into the gray areas: therapy vs. medication, what to do if cost is a barrier, and why so many people wait too long before reaching out. Dr. Cho also shares her perspective on cultural stigma and the unique challenges many Asian American families face when it comes to mental health.About the guest:Jang Cho, MD is a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed her general psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. Afterwards, she continued her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Cho’s passion is in cultural psychiatry, especially in mental health of Asian American children and adolescents. In the past, she has headed a free mental health clinic called Hope Clinic for under-served Korean Americans in the Washington DC Area. She is a co-founder and a former chair for the Asian Caucus in the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has given various talks locally and nationally, and has been a co-author of a textbook chapter on Asian American Mental health. She is a proud owner of Thrive Psychiatry PLLC- a telepsychiatry practice that focuses on children and families of diverse backgrounds for patients in NY, DC, MD, VA, WA and CA. She can be reached at www.thrivepsychiatrypllc.com.**Here are the resources: 1. Therapist Directory – Asian Mental Health Collective2. Asians For Mental Health Directory3. Korean Americans only- MSG Mental Health Directory

What We Don’t Talk About: Sex, Shame, and Sunday Faith | 왠지 말하기 어려운 얘기들: 성, 수치심, 그리고 교회 이야기 15.04.2026 51мин

왠지 말하기 어려운 얘기들: 성, 수치심, 그리고 신앙What We Don’t Talk About: Sex, Shame, and Sunday FaithIn this episode, we gently step into the conversations we tend to avoid—sex, shame, and faith. Topics that are deeply connected, yet often left unspoken.Roy, a licensed marriage and family therapist and former pastor, brings a unique perspective shaped by years of working with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. He sees himself as a bridge between the Church, the addict, the betrayed partner, and the divorced—helping each side find the language to understand one another better.Together, we talk about how shame takes root, how faith can both support and complicate healing, and why these conversations feel so hard to have—especially in our communities. This isn’t about having all the answers, but about creating space for honesty, nuance, and real understanding.A thoughtful, human conversation about the things we don’t usually say out loud.About the guest:Roy is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Southern California, specializing in sexual addiction treatment and betrayal trauma recovery. He is also a former pastor. He describes himself as a broker between the Church, the addict, the betrayed partner, and the divorced—helping all parties to find language to better understand one another. Roy hosts the SA Speakeasy podcast, The Same Boat podcast, and soon will co-host the On-Screen Kimistry podcast which discusses Asian American representation in film. Roy loves learning about compost, watching trashy reality shows with his wife Jenn, and dreaming with daughter Audrey about living in Europe.

Dr. Hyun Kim on Boundaries, Expectations & Self-Care | Let's Talk 마음이야기 EP 01 04.04.2026 54мин

Let's Talk 마음이야기 EP 01- Mental Health SeriesMy first guest, Dr. Hyun Kim, clinical psychologist, researcher at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and author of Boundaries (Korean), shares a powerful conversation on expectations, responsibility, and finding your voice as someone living between cultures.We talk about the cost of staying silent, the mental load that follows us into adulthood, and how even our sleep and cognitive health are shaped by the pressure to meet everyone else’s needs.This episode is about learning to speak up, set boundaries, and finally make space for yourself—without losing who you are.About the guest:Hello there! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and New Jersey and am also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. I am most passionate about helping people live a full life by managing mood and sleep difficulties. I aim to reach these goals through research, clinical work, and psychoeducation. Learn more about my background (here) and services (here).안녕하세요,저는 뉴욕 컬럼비아 의과대학 소속으로 정신건강의학 연구를 진행하며 또한 다양한 심리치료서비스를 제공하는 임상심리학자 입니다 (뉴욕/뉴저지 테라피스트). 주로 수면, 뇌, 그리고 감정 (우울증, 불안장애)을 공부하며, 연구에 기반한 정보를 통해 보다 많은 사람들이 더 행복하고 풍요로운 삶을 살 수 있도록 여러가지의 서비스와 교육을 제공하고 있습니다. 저의 연구와 임상경력에 대해 더 알고싶으시면 여기, 저의 임상/강연 활동이나 인스타그램, 블로그 글에 관련해서는 밑의 링크를 클릭하여주세요.https://www.kimhyunphd.com/

The Next Chapter After 25 Years In Publishing 실비아킴 대표의 새로운 도전 21.03.2026 42мин

Sylvia Kim knows how to build something that lasts.For over 25 years, she led Mom & I magazine, growing it into a trusted voice within the Korean American community. As a single mother, she built both a career and a community rooted in trust and connection.In this episode, we talk about reinvention, cross-cultural leadership, and what it takes to start a new chapter after decades in one path.Find us on YouTube and all the major podcast platforms. Follow and leave a comment!!

What If Confidence Isn’t the Problem?Why So Many Women Feel Invisible 여성 리더에게 배우는 ‘자신감 장착’ 방법 14.03.2026 42мин

Women Entrepreneurs 3Today’s guest, Sheena Yap Chan, has spent years exploring that question. She’s a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, where she’s interviewed over 800 women about self-worth, visibility, and leadership.Through her work — including her books The Tao of Self-Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap — Sheena helps women move from self-doubt to self-trust.In this episode, we talk about the pressure to be perfect, the fear of being seen, and why visibility can be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence.

Can Makgeolli Become America’s Next Big Drink? 미국에서 막걸리 파는 교포 사업가 케롤 MAKKU 07.03.2026 47мин

Carol Pak is the Founder & CEO of Sool, the parent company of Makku, and a mother of two young children, balancing boardrooms and bedtime stories.Raised in a supportive and loving Korean family in New York, Carol grew up inspired to lead. That early foundation — family first, work hard, dream big — shaped her path from corporate innovation to entrepreneurship. Before launching Sool in 2017, she worked at ZX Ventures (owned by AB InBev), where she led the launch of a new alcoholic beverage brand in China.Now, she’s on a mission to introduce a traditional Korean rice drink — makgeolli — to the U.S. market in a fresh, accessible way. With strong partnerships, including a close working relationship with a Korean production company, Carol is building a bridge between heritage and modern taste.In this episode, we talk about growing up with big dreams, choosing family alongside ambition, and what it really takes to globalize culture — without losing where you come from.

The 3:30 AM Reality of a Working Mom: Career, Kids & Cost of Balance 워킹맘의 하루는 새벽 3:30에 시작된다 27.02.2026 36мин

In this episode, we talk with Evelyn Moon, founder, mother, mentor, and a Korean American lawyer who grew up speaking Korean as her first language. She shares the challenges of becoming an attorney while navigating cultural barriers, raising a child, and leading her own firm.Evelyn opens up about the reality of work-life balance as a working mom, and why she’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of women walking a similar path.About the guest: Evelyn Moon is the Founder and Principal Attorney at Evelyn Moon Law PC, a dedicated and compassionate immigration attorney with over 19 years of industry experience representing corporate, investor, and individual clients worldwide. With big firm partner background and sophistication and currently a firm owner, she takes pride in helping her clients navigate immigration challenges, expand into new opportunities, and ultimately achieve their immigration goals in the U.S. with much more personalized services. Evelyn has been a featured speaker at numerous AILA, EB-5 and other business conferences and seminars, covering a wide range of immigration topics, including work visa options for students, E-2 and EB-5 investment visas, L-1A and EB-1C visas for multinational executives and managers, and PERM-based green card applications. She is licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia and is fluent in English and Korean.

Why So Many of Us Struggle with Family & Emotions | Haley’s Story 엄마도 사실은 상담이 필요하지 않았을까? 13.02.2026 50мин

Haley, a Brooklyn-based writer and actor, joins Take 1.5 with Min Lee for a powerful conversation about identity, Korean culture, family expectations, and generational trauma.With a background as an elementary school educator, Haley brings deep insight into social-emotional development, childhood experiences, and how early family dynamics shape the way we communicate, cope, and form relationships. Her creative work explores language, cultural identity, and the long-term impact of generational patterns.✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying feelings your parents never had space to process — you’re not alone.✨ childhood and emotional development✨ family dynamics that shape who we become✨ the tension between respect and self-expression✨ and how storytelling can become a form of healingThis isn’t about blaming the previous generation.It’s about noticing what we’re carrying… and deciding what we want to pass forward.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working through emotions your family never had space to name — this one will stay with you.🎧 Listen to the full episode of Take 1.5 with Min Lee — link in bio.#Take15Podcast #GenerationalHealing #KoreanCulture #IdentityJourney #FamilyDynamics #EmotionalHealth #StorytellingAsHealing

How This Nurse Built Income Beyond the Bedside 리치언니로 은퇴하고 싶은 Rich Nurse Jiwon Lee 29.01.2026 38мин

What if being a nurse didn’t mean choosing between caring for others and building financial freedom?In this episode, we sit down with Jiwon Lee — a New Jersey–based psychiatric nurse, educator, real estate investor, and future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — who is redefining what’s possible in a nursing career.Since 2015, Jiwon has worked across an incredible range of clinical settings, including medical-surgical units, pediatrics, infertility, hemodialysis, and emergency departments in New York, Boston, and Nebraska. But her impact doesn’t stop at the bedside. With a Master’s degree in Health Leadership and Nursing Education, she’s served as an adjunct clinical instructor, private lecturer, and clinical operations manager at a healthcare startup.Outside the hospital, Jiwon is just as driven. She manages both long- and short-term rental properties and is involved in a joint venture real estate project — all while teaching nurses to think beyond traditional career paths. Through her platform “Rich Nurse” and her book Rich Nurse, Poor Nurse in America, she advocates for financial literacy, smart investing, and career diversification within nursing.She also serves as Media Director for KITEE (Korean-American Innovative Technology Engineers and Entrepreneurs), where she helps connect healthcare professionals with the worlds of tech, investment, and entrepreneurship.In this conversation, we talk about:✨ Breaking out of the “burnout-only” nursing narrative💰 Why financial literacy is essential for healthcare professionals🏠 How she got started in real estate while working as a nurse🧠 Mental health, leadership, and long-term career sustainability🌉 Bridging healthcare, business, and community impactWhether you’re in healthcare, curious about investing, or figuring out how to design a life beyond just one job title — this episode will expand your vision of what’s possible.