27 Jun 2025 02:00
#200 - Into the Unknown & Doing the Work with Ada Tseng (Journalist & Author)
What does it take to make a dream, reality? Any goal, any vision can be daunting when you're at the very beginning. Uneducated, inexperienced, overwhelmed...it's hard to identify or even decide what's the best place to start. And even when you do decide, getting the ball rolling and finally taking the proverbial leap is its own major feat. In one of the final conversations here on First Of All, Minji sits down with her friend, journalist Ada Tseng, to discuss the rigors of making it in in the entertainment biz as Ada prepares to release her first book, Breaking Into New Hollywood. After years of interviewing and investigating the less glamorous parts of the industry, Ada finally shares priceless insights on exactly how it takes a talented, persistent, crafty, and determined village to make magic exist on-screen...or really anywhere. And rather poetically, they reflect on Ada's pivotal role in encouraging Minji to start this very podcast 8 years ago, when AAPI podcasts and/or culture podcasts hosted by women of color were scarce and the road was unpaved and unknown. As Minji heads off into unknown territory once again as a filmmaker, actor, and content creator it's truly a full circle moment. One that hopefully inspires all the dreamers out there to keep taking risks and have fun learning as they do the work to bring their dreams into reality.
Follow Our Guest Ada Tseng:
Order Breaking Into the New Hollywood
Follow Minji On:
▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan
▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective
Audio Engineer @marvinyueh
Social Media Manager @JulianaDeer
Mentioned in this episode:
Don’t miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin!
Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder.
