BRC & Friends: FAHM 2023 Recap

This past October was quite the month. Despite a rough family season, I managed to record and post nine episodes for Filipino American History Month 2023. True to my hopes for BRC & Friends, guests included academics, artists, activists, and adventures, and it was glorious and lovely. There was much laughter and learning as I got to know some good folx doing good things in the world.

If you get a moment, please take a listen, give a follow, and otherwise grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to the October guests on BRC & Friends.

Below are all of the episodes with a little description, but you can also listen to all of the previews on Instagram, listen to full episodes on Captivate, or find us wherever you find podcasts for your ears.

2023 Filipino American History Month on BRC & Friends

e57: Kevin Nadal, academic and content on IG @kevinnadal | Website | Full Episode

Today on episode 57, we launched Filipino American History Month here on BRC and friends. I chat with Kevin adult distinguished professor of psychology at City University of New York and the current president of Filipino American National Historical Society. We have such a good time in this episode, as we talked about growing up in the bay area, Filipino American History Month doctoral work, what it means to be Filipino enough and a little drag and musicals, our paths have crossed, but we've never always sat down and talked. So you get to kind of listen in as Kevin and I get to know one another, a bit. This was really a treat.

e58: Camille Valerio, @ckgv_; Justher Gutierrez, @jus.ther; Mark Serrano, @manongmarkthedj; and #SanJose Filipino Organizations: @fact_sanjose @leadfilipino @fanhs.scv @fycsanjose @malaya.sbay @pawissouthbay @bnkfilamschoolsj @mvblfeast | Full Episode

Today, I sat down with Justher Gutierrez from Malaya South Bay, Camille Valerio from LEAD Filipino, and Mark Serrano from the Filipino Youth Coalition and Filipino American National Historical Society Santa Clara Valley. They helped me get to know the Filipino Community in the South Bay a bit more and shared all of the activities taking place this month. We also talked about what it means to be “Filipino enough,” when Filipino American History Month came into our view, and how ube has gone mainstream.

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e59: Kalaya'an Mendoza on IG @kalamendoza | Website | Full Episode

On Episode 59 Laura and I chat with Kalaya’an Mendoza from the Nonviolent Peace Force and Across Fontlines. We of course talk about nonviolence, how we address racism within our own communities, and a whole lot of science fiction. I think Kala has provided me with one of my favorite podcast moments ever. If you do not know Kala, you are in for a treat.

e60: Robyn Magalit Rodriguez on IG @madprofessora | Website | Full Episode

On Episode 60 Dr. Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez returns to the show to check in a year after leaving academia, and starting a farm. We talk about retirement from academia, what it means to start and maintain a farm, a commitment to nurturing a community and, of course the question, Are you Filipino enough? If this is the first time meeting Dr. Rodgriguz, you are in for a treat and some good old-fashioned healing of the heart, mind, and soul.

e61: Kenneth Tan on IG @LolaxKenneth | Website | Full Episode

On Episode 61 I sit down with San Jose local artist Kenneth Tan Kenneth was moving ahead in life and then he returned home to help care for his Lola. During that time he rediscovered his love of art and found a new way to connect with his Lola and tell her story. In this episode you'll hear about that journey, about the project Lola x Kenneth, and of course, we take on the question are you Filipino enough.

BRC & Friends and The Amalgamation are made possible through your financial and viewing support, so please consider becoming a free/paid subscriber today.

e62: Josh and Heather on IG @ObetAndDels | LinkTree | Full Episode

On Episode 62 I sit down with the founders and owners of my favorite Southern CA coffee joint, Obet & Del’s in Thai Town, Hollywood. After my recent stint in SoCal, this became one of my offices because of its local vibe, great staff, and mmm, that Filipino Iced Coffee. I sat down with Josh and Heather as we talked about the beginning of Obet & Del’s, building a culture where people thrive, being a Black/Filipino family, and my yearnings for a Husky Hot Filipino. You’ll just have to listen to get more on that. It was a great conversation and you’ll love getting to know them both.

e63: Megan Reyes on IG @megreyes_ | Website | Full Episode

On episode 63 of BRC and Friends and the final installment for Filipino American History Month 2023, I chat with Megan Reyes, journalist, podcaster, and content creator. Recently honored by Hashtag Sports as a creator of color, we not only talk about Megan's entry into sports broadcasting, but we also talked about growing up in Idaho, women's soccer, specifically the women's Philippines national team, and of course, that question and dilemma about being Filipino enough. We had a great time talking and I, for one, cannot wait to see what is ahead for Megan.

Take a listen and you'll see why.

Thanks for listening, and be sure not to miss any upcoming episodes by subscribing to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to podcasts.

Referrals Links: This BRC & Friends was recorded using Squadcast, edited using Descript, and hosted on Captivate.