Seoul Conversations

Seoul Conversations

by Shene, Benny & Kara

Society & Culture Relationships Personal Journals

Season 2

S2 Ep2: The Power of One

This week we had the honor of sitting down with fellow KAD and musician, Mel Taevin (@Taevinmusic)! You may recognize Mel from The Bachelor's Listen To Your Heart, or perhaps you've heard her incredible music on Spotify! Listen as we discuss her experience and perspective on being "the only" and what she describes as, "the power of one." Stream her new single, "Her Name" on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, & Amazon, and check out her website, www.meltaevin.com!

S2 Episode 1: We're Back!

We're back for Season 2 of Seoul Conversations, a podcast hosted by two Korean American adoptees who are working to uncover the heart and soul of what it means to be Asian American and adopted, through the sharing of adoptees' stories. It's been a minute since we wrapped up Season 1, and we are excited to bring you a brand new season full of more incredible guests, deep conversations, and even more s(e)oul!

Season 1

Episode 11: Therapy, Spinning Plates, & More Than An Adoptee

This is our final episode for Season 1 of Seoul Conversations! This week we are joined by fellow Korean Adoptee, Kara DeLost (IG: @KDeLost) for a conversation about mental health and identity. We dive into the question of, "Is being an adoptee all I ever am?" and look at all of the ways in which our status as adoptees shapes and affects our lives. But don't worry; there are many laughs and a bunch of tangents along the way! It's a season finale that you don't want to miss! Thank you all so much for the incredible support and love you've shown us so far, and we can't wait to bring you Season 2 very soon!

Episode 10: Motherhood, Healing, & Joy

Join us this week for a special Mother's Day episode! We are joined by fellow adoptees and moms. Mila Konomos and Kaylyn Brown to talk about their experiences becoming biological mothers as Korea adoptees. In addition we discuss the layers and complexities of motherhood as well as celebrating days like Mother's Day, while also relishing in some of the most joyful moments that come with raising kids. You can follow Mila Konomos on instagram @the_empress_han & Kaylyn Brown @Mrskaylynbrown

Episode 9: Monolids, Interracial Marriage, & Shared Experiences

In this week's episode we sit down with Korean American beauty influencer, Jen Chae! But don't be fooled; this episode is more than skin deep! Join us as we talk about Jen's shared experiences with the Asian adoptee community, her experience as an Asian woman in an interracial marriage, how she's raising her kids to be proud of both their Korean and American heritages, and what she finds most empowering about being an Asian American woman. You can follow Jen on Instagram @frmheadtotoe and can also subscribe to her Youtube channel: From Head To Toe.

Episode 8: Coming Out of The Fog, Cheese Curds, & Identity

This episode is packed with valuable information for both adoptees and adoptive parents alike! Join us as we sit down with fellow Korean adoptee, Mark Hagland to discuss some of the most important things adoptive parents should know when raising a transracial adoptee, as well as his own journey coming out of the fog and finding his identity.

Episode 7: Bubble Tea, Forgery, & Dating

Join us this week as we spill the (bubble) tea about what we were like in high school and share our experiences in the dating world as Korean adoptees.

Episode 6: Representation, News, & Snowshoe Baseball

This week we are joined by fellow KAD, reporter and journalist, Angela Kim! Listen as Angela shares her experience being an Asian American reporter during the Trump Administration, her craziest and funniest moments while reporting, and her perspective on Asian representation in both news and the mainstream media.

Episode 5: K-Heritage, Speeding & Rap

We're lightening things up this week! Join us as we sit down with co-host of the Janchi Show and fellow Korean adoptee, Patrick Armstrong. We jump into Patrick's journey to reconnect with his Korean heritage and share some laughs about his rapping career as well as Benny's speeding habits. You can find Patrick on IG @patrickintheworld, follow The Janchi Show @janchishow and also check out The Adoptee Project @theadopteeproject. Additionally, support his nonprofit, All Times Are Local by visiting www.alltimesarelocal.org And as always, you can find us on IG @seoulconversations or send us an email: seoulconversationspodcast@gmail.com

Episode 4: Race, Assimilation & Anti-Asian Hate

Trigger Warning: This episode touches upon incidents of anti-Asian hate and was recorded on March 17, 2021 following the Atlanta Spa Shooting. On this week's episode, we have an open and raw conversation about discussing race with our adoptive families, trying to assimilate, and what our experiences have been like trying to navigate the surge in anti-Asian hate as Korean adoptees. As you listen, please keep in mind that our thoughts, feelings and experiences are our own, and in no way do we speak for the entire Asian-adoptee community or the AAPI community as a whole.

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