Kung fu, tai chi, and philosophy at sea! This MiOsc podcast was recorded on board our recent cruise.

We share a conversation about the importance of cultivating a broad base of knowledge—through books, experiences, and meaningful conversations—to better understand the world and the connections that shape it.

Our ramblings make it clear we are in vacation mode, but we thought it would be fun to share a bit of the ocean with you.

If you’ve been enjoying this podcast, please leave me a rating on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Coach Dan John

Seth Godin

Cal Newport

https://youtu.be/laxbZHiXgSU

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 406. MiOsc on Kung fu, tai chi, and philosophy at sea first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

In this episode, I’m excited to dive into a unique story that spans music, culture, and resilience.  Welcoming back my mom, who grew up in 1950s Jamaica, was a member of Jamaica’s first all-girls band, The Carnations, and continued her music career in America.

This conversation sheds light on her experiences in the vibrant Jamaican music scene, her journey as an immigrant to the U.S., and what it meant to be part of a unique Chinese minority in a predominantly Black Jamaican society.

I love sharing stories about the Chinese Jamaican diaspora and hope you’ll enjoy the episode.

I truly enjoy these conversations and hope you do too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode:

Bob Marley

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

Tessane Chin

Jamaica

Frank Sinatra

https://youtu.be/19DhDVJ3LjY

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 405. Exploring Identity, Music, and Resilience: Podcast with Chinese Jamaican Musician Margaret Suzy Wong Chan first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

Do you have post-election blues? I know I do.

In this MiOsc episode, we have practical ways to cope with some of the frustration and anger after the election. Many of you are feeling anxious or disheartened, especially if the results didn’t align with your hopes.

We don’t have all the answers, but we felt better after sharing our best practices and methods of staying grounded.

Although these emotions are valid, taking time to care for oneself and building resilience can pave the way for a brighter, more connected existence.

Listen on as we try to combat the post-election blues.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 404. MiOsc on ways to combat the election blues first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

The Wah Lum Kung Fu Sifu Test: A Journey of Tradition, Dedication, and Growth

In this podcast episode, I share all about the Wah Lum Sifu Test—an event that brings together instructors from around the globe every three years to uphold the traditions and standards of the Wah Lum system.

I share personal insights into the responsibility of leading the test after years of learning from Grandmaster Chan and the vital support system that has helped me maintain Wah Lum’s high standards.

I also talk about the importance of continuing to test, even as a senior instructor, and how this dedication to pushing our own limits strengthens the Wah Lum community.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 403. What is the Wah Lum Kung Fu Sifu Test? first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

October is a busy month: We honor Pink October, Hispanic Heritage and Filipino American History Month. In order to give myself a bit of a mental health break, I am going to be sharing some episodes that you might have missed.

This interview was recorded 5 years ago in celebration of my mom’s 70th birthday. We discuss her experience with breast cancer and her healing process. My mom did not opt for chemotherapy, but instead healed with her strong spirit and practiced the ancient art form of tai chi chuan. We of course do not recommend this for everyone, but listen on to hear survival story.

We also go back in time and discuss her music career in Jamaica which led her to the United States. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

Ironically she shares a story about Elvis Presley and I just happened to have watched the film ELVIS (Baz Luhrmann)… If you have seen the film and listened to this podcast, please share who you think her mystery driver was. I certainly have my suspicions!

I’m loving these conversations and hope you are too. If you are, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Pink October 

Mammogram Screenings

Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer – award-winning Chan family documentary

Elvis Presley 1969 Vegas

Get Suzy’s Book

ELVIS, Baz Luhrrman

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

The post Best of: Suzy Chan on breast cancer, tai chi and music first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

It’s The Mimi and Greg Show – my dear friend Greg Rucka and I can’t help but talk about the upcoming election and its impact on our society.

Listen to hear about Stop Project 2025 Comic, a comic book collaboration of some of the finest comic book writers in the industry. The comic is crafted to explain and understand the “Trump” Conservative agenda and move you to vote against it. I urge everyone to read it and be an informed voter of what’s at stake in this election.

Greg also shares fascinating insights into his writing methods and the challenges of writing his latest novel. Whether you’re a fan of comics or concerned about the future of our democracy, this conversation is a shared space of empathy and understanding.

As a reminder to everyone, these are tense times. Be kind to yourself and others. We can get through this together. Get out and VOTE!

I enjoy these conversations and hope you do too.  Please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode:

Stop Project 2025 Comic

Stop Project 2025 Comic

The Forged (comic)

NYCC

Black Magick (comic)

Matthew Dicks

Rose City Comic Con

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 402. Greg Rucka on the election and Stop Project 2025 Comic first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

In this episode, I break my vacation promise and sit down for a spontaneous chat with our incredible safari field guide at Sabi Sands, South Africa.

Geoff Haslam is highly skilled and knowledgeable about all the animals in the reserve. As a qualified Level 2 guide, Geoff has undergone rigorous training and accumulated over 1,200 hours of experience leading trails through the African wilderness.

This certification not only reflects his deep understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and safety protocols but also demonstrates his ability to provide guests with an immersive and educational safari experience.

We dive into the harsh realities of poaching, explore the fascinating behaviors of the animals we encountered, and reflect on the beauty and intensity of the South African wilderness.

From witnessing a pride of lions feasting on a buffalo to seeing a leopard with its impala kill, the experience was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Despite the freezing rain and rough terrain, each game drive brought us closer to nature’s raw, untamed beauty—and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for exclusive footage of these unforgettable animal encounters! However, trigger warning for those who might get upset by animal kills and feedings. There is some big cat action, so please watch with care.

I’m also linking in the blog post ways you can get involved to help protect the animals. There are a couple of gin companies that actively support wildlife conservation efforts, so you can sip and make a difference.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode:

SORAI – Be the change.

nkombe gin – Google Search

Indlovu Original Gin – Elephant Dung Infused 50ml

About Geoff Haslam

Geoff is a highly skilled and knowledgeable field guide at Arathusa Safari, located in the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As a qualified Level 2 guide, Geoff has undergone rigorous training and accumulated over 1,200 hours of experience leading trails through the African wilderness. This certification not only reflects his deep understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and safety protocols but also demonstrates his ability to provide guests with an immersive and educational safari experience. With his extensive fieldwork, Geoff is well-equipped to navigate the diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters that make Sabi Sands an unforgettable destination.

“What drew me to the bush was the concept of freedom – freedom from city life and the hustle and bustle that people endure. We would journey annually to the Waterberg, where I discovered my passion for the wilderness.” – Geoff Haslam

https://youtu.be/dnAsbyO-FUI

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 401. Africa: Unforgettable Safari Encounters, Poaching Realities, and Animal Behavior first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

It’s another MiOsc episode!

Oscar and I reflect on our recent trip to Africa. We discuss the vibrant culture, languages, and safaris.

This episode was recorded during Banned Books Week, an annual event that highlights the dangers of censorship and the suppression of diverse voices. When books are banned, it’s not just stories that are being suppressed—it’s the opportunity for learning and progress. Reading opens the door to new ideas, diverse cultures, and the possibility of meaningful change, which is why protecting access to education and literature is vital for the future of any society.

Oscar and I delve into how storytelling also plays a fundamental role in martial arts, especially in preserving traditions and fostering learning. If we lose our stories, we lose more than just words on a page—we lose the very essence of who we are.

Listen to the full episode on our podcast and join the conversation.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Adam Grant

George Saunders

Wah Lum Temple

Arathusa Lodge

Victoria and Alfred’s Waterfront

Cape Town

Zimbabwe

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 400. MiOsc on Banned Books, the Power of Storytelling, and our African Journey first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I had the pleasure of sitting with Gordon James, a man whose life journey spans four countries—Jamaica, Kenya, the USA, and Canada. Gordon’s experiences living in such diverse places have shaped his perspective on the world. In our conversation, we explored how these experiences have fueled his passion for life, fostered empathy, and equipped him to combat racism through meaningful dialogue.

Gordon’s journey began in Jamaica, where the vibrant culture and rich history instilled in him a deep sense of identity. But it was his move to Kenya that expanded his worldview. Living in East Africa, Gordon was immersed in a different cultural tapestry, where he encountered new ways of thinking and living. This experience taught him the importance of adaptability and the value of understanding others’ perspectives—lessons that would become crucial in his later life.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the power of dialogue in building empathy. Gordon spoke about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations about race and identity—conversations that many people shy away from. He stressed that these discussions are not just about airing grievances; they’re about listening, learning, and finding common ground.

Listen on to hear more from Gordon James on how we can all work together to build a more empathetic and inclusive society.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Tribes of Kenya

About Gordon James

**Gordon James was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and has lived in Canada, Kenya, France, Spain, and the United States. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received his M.F.A. in Acting from Brooklyn College.  He is best known for his recurring role as Nurse Gregory on Grey’s Anatomy as well as for being the host of **Grey’s Anatomy Post-Op on abc.com.

In 2017 he wrote, produced, and acted in his first narrative short, Thinking Out Loud, receiving several industry accolades including the Gold LA Shorts Award, an LA Top Shorts Award, and being an official selection of the 2018 Pan African Film Festival.

On stage, he has performed leading roles in such productions as The Colored Museum, Six Degrees of Separation, The Island, and Tartuffe.

His poetry has been published in the literary magazine Signifying’ Harlem and he has been featured as a spoken word performer at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, The Brooklyn Moon Cafe, The National Black Theater, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.  As a repeat winner of the Hottest Poetry Slam in Harlem, he has twice been a headliner on their radio program.  He has been the opening act to R&B singer Angie Stone and performed in the New Faces/New Vision Program at New York’s Aaron Davis Hall’s 25th Anniversary.

His one-man show  Outbursts: A One-Man Multipoemonologue combines spoken word and theater and opened to critical acclaim at Harlem’s National Black Theater and the Complex Theater in Los Angeles.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 399. Gordon James on Finding Passion and Building Empathy first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

“The Last of Us” isn’t just a post-apocalyptic survival story; it’s a deep exploration of what it means to be human when the world around us is ending.

‌If you’ve experienced this story through the original video game or the HBO TV adaptation, the themes of empathy, humanity, survival, and hope resonate at every turn.

‌Whether you played the game, watched the show, or a fan of The Mimi and Greg Show, join us as we reflect on what it means to live, love, and hope.

‌Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the show or played the game. You also don’t need to have done either to enjoy our conversation.

—

For those that don’t already know:

Greg Rucka is a New York Times bestselling author of hundreds of comics and nearly two dozen novels. He is also the writer for his critically acclaimed and award-winning film The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron.

‌I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too. If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Mimi Chan on Patreon. ‌

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

‌

Discussed in this episode:

Y2K

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Shakespeare

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please.

The post 398. Greg Rucka on Themes from “The Last of Us” Empathy, Humanity, and Hope first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Monica May, a radio host whose story is nothing short of inspiring. Monica’s journey began in the projects of New York, where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and survival—qualities that would later define her remarkable career in radio. You can hear Monica on Star 94.5 hosting “Monica May’s Point Of View”.

The post 397. Monica May on Breaking Barriers – from the Projects to Empowering the Next Generation first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.