Nuances: Our Asian Stories

This week, I had the privilege of talking to Mimi Chen. I was so excited when I first saw Mimi’s Instagram because how cool is it that an Asian American woman has been killing it in the radio industry for decades? Mimi Chen is a Chinese American career DJ, who has been a trailblazer in the industry. In our interview, this rock music fan shares about her serendipitous adventure into radio was too much fun to consider law school, and how she juggled being a full-time radio DJ and a mom. This Star Wars fan was often the only woman and the only minority at her job, but Mimi did not suffer fools and always stood up for herself. She offers practical advice for people coming up in the  radio and music industries too. 

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Nuances: beyond first impressions with the Asian diaspora is a podcast exploring diverse intersectional identities, career paths and more.

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GUEST BIO

Mimi Chen is a long time radio DJ who has been heard in Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. She is currently at KCSN 88.5FM in Los Angeles. In her spare time, she acts and has co-founded several tech companies. One is a conversational AI company. The more current company, Vlipside, is an metaverse company. It isn’t every day that you get to talk to a trailblazer in the radio industry..

Instagram | TikTok | Web

DEFINITIONS

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States.

TAKEAWAYS

1. You deserve a raise & promotion if you’ve been at your job for several years (and doing great work, of course). Ask for it.
2. There are lots of opportunities out there and you deserve to be treated well everywhere you go. Your job does not have to be terrible for you to leave.
3. You don’t have to live off your craft. Day jobs or side gigs that generate consistent income are great.
4. Not all POC face the same kind of discrimination. We need to learn from and support one another.
5. Working moms often feel guilty. If that’s you, remember that you’re doing your best and give yourself some grace
6. Career milestones are great but will not make you happy. Find happiness outside of work.

CONTACT

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Host: Lazou