Old Asian Lady

Sharon Landon

Old Asian Lady is a space where real people share the life experiences that shaped who they are. Hosted by Sharon Landon, OAL features thoughtful, authentic conversations about identity, cultural belonging, resilience, life transitions, relationships, family, aging, personal growth, success, and purpose.

We explore the moments that challenge us, change us, and help us understand ourselves and the world a little differently.

Sometimes the stories we carry help someone else understand their own.

Real Stories. Thoughtful Conversations. Different Perspectives.

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23 episodes
weekly
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 23

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S3 · E9
Thursday · 55 min
I Left A Great Career To Follow My Heart
What happens when you build the life you're supposed to want… and realize it's not the life you actually want? In this episode of #OldAsianLady, YiHsin Chang opens up about the friction of breaking societal molds and restarting her life in Los Angeles in her 40s. She also talks honestly about the difficult side of making those choices and learning to accept that every decision comes with both pros and cons. Her message is simple but powerful: Life is short. Don't give up on your dreams. This conversation is about identity, cultural expectations, career choices, family, courage, and what it means to follow your heart—even when the path isn't always easy.
S3 · E8
September 3 · 59 min
Hearing The Five Words That Made Me Uproot My Life
What happens when you spend years taking care of everyone else—and suddenly realize you don't know how to take care of yourself? In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Betty Lo shares her journey from corporate Silicon Valley project management to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), navigating 10 years as the sole caregiver for both her aging parents through illness, finding herself at a crossroads of her own and then taking a radical leap of faith to relocate to Taiwan. We dive into emotional numbness, Asian parental obligations, the physiological philosophy of Eastern vs Western medicine, and what it truly means to "come home" to yourself. If something in this conversation speaks to you, leave a comment. I'd love to hear about a time when you chose a different path.Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.🎙️ About Old Asian LadyOld Asian Lady is a podcast about real people and honest conversations, exploring the experiences that shape who we become.
S3 · E7
August 27 · 1 hr 7 min
Burnout, Boundaries & Healing: Learning to Listen to Your Body
What if exhaustion isn't simply something you need to push through? In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Sharon chats with Dr. Chris Lipat, a holistic chiropractor, Reiki master, author, and healer based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Chris shares their journey from growing up as a Filipina in New Jersey, experiencing racism and navigating their identity as a queer Filipina, to working in social justice, experiencing burnout, and eventually discovering Reiki and holistic healing. Their story raises some fascinating questions: What happens when we're constantly saying yes? Can our bodies tell us when something isn't right? How do we learn to trust our intuition? And what does healing look like when we consider the mind, body, and emotions together? If you've ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're constantly doing things because you should, this conversation may give you something to think about.
S3 · E6
August 20 · 1 hr 8 min
Is it Your Story to Tell | A Journey from Apartheid to Taiwan
What happens when the stories you were raised to believe no longer make sense?In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Sharon speaks with documentary filmmaker Tobie Openshaw, who has lived in Taiwan for nearly three decades.Tobie grew up in apartheid-era South Africa, where early experiences shaped his understanding of race, privilege, and culture. Later, his work as a filmmaker brought him to Taiwan, where he has documented a range of social and cultural stories.Over time, his view of storytelling changed. He moved from believing he could be a “voice for the voiceless” to realizing: "It’s not your stories to tell.” Now he focuses on creating space for people to tell their own stories.🔗 Connect with TobieIG: https://www.instagram.com/tobie_openshaw/Seeking the Koko’Ta’ay: Investigating the Origins of Little People Myths in Taiwan and Beyond: https://brill.com/display/title/70911https://www.taiwanplus.com/shows/documentary/culture/616/seeking-the-kokotaay/251204010/seeking-the-kokotaay?utm_source=copyurl&utm_medium=share🎙️ About Old Asian LadyOld Asian Lady is a podcast about real people and honest conversations, exploring the experiences that shape who we become.If this conversation made you think differently, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.And tell us in the comments:**Who should tell a person’s story—the person who lived it, or the person with the platform?**You can also find us on ~Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/oldasianladyApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-old-asian-lady-show/id1728167164IHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/IHeart-TheOALShowProduced by: Scene 8 StudioIG: @scene8studioWebsite: www.scene8studio.com
S3 · E5
August 15 · 54 min
What If You Don't Have to Find Your Passion? | Finding Yourself Through Art & Life
We're often told to "find your passion," discover our purpose, and figure out exactly who we're meant to be. But what if finding yourself doesn't happen that way? In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Sharon sits down with Eva Lo for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, authenticity, healing, and discovering what truly makes us feel alive. Eva shares her perspective on why we don't always need to have everything figured out—and how simply living as your authentic self can inspire other people to find their own path. Sometimes you don't find yourself by searching. Sometimes you find yourself by simply allowing yourself to be who you are. #FindYourPassion #PersonalGrowth #Creativity #Art #Authenticity #Purpose #ArtHealing #Breathwork #OldAsianLadyPodcast #SharonLandon #EvaLo 🔗 Connect with EvaIG: https://www.instagram.com/eva_healing_space/ https://www.instagram.com/v.a.authentic/ https://www.instagram.com/artsoulme/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@evalo910artsoulme If this story made you think differently, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE! 🎙️ About Old Asian LadyReal people. Honest conversations. Stories that challenge assumptions about age, race, gender, identity, culture, and the human experience. You can also find us on ~ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-old-asian-lady-show/id1728167164 IHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/IHeart-TheOALShow Produced by: Scene 8 Studio IG: @scene8studio Website: www.scene8studio.com
August 6 · 50 min
I Had Everything... But I Wasn't Happy | Redefining Success & Finding Purpose
Even though my bank account was growing very quickly, I still felt very empty and very soulless through my work. I realized I needed some kind of creative outlet. In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Michael Li shares his deeply personal journey of unlearning the traditional path laid out for him. From holding two engineering degrees and drilling oil in the Middle East to making the ultimate leap into filmmaking in Taipei, Michael breaks down the psychological friction between financial security and artistic calling. 🔗 Connect with Michael IG: / no_limits_li Youtube: / @michaelnolimitsli If this story resonated with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help us amplify human stories of transformation! 🎙️ About Old Asian LadyReal people. Honest conversations. Stories that challenge assumptions about age, race, gender, identity, culture, and the human experience. Produced by: Scene 8 Studio IG: @scene8studio Website: www.scene8studio.com
S3 · E3
August 2 · 1 hr 7 min
A Doctor Took My Diagnosis & Said It Was Probably Just Anxiety
He was like, 'This is a men's disease. Women don't get this. You can't possibly have it... it's probably anxiety.' So he took it off my paperwork, and I had to fight like heck to put it back on. In this episode of Old Asian Lady, Canadian expat, artist, and advocate Carrie Marshall opens up about her harrowing 15-year journey with axial spondyloarthritis and severe autoimmune disease. From being medically gaslit and losing her mobility to organizing a historic advocacy movement that changed disability access laws for foreign residents in Taiwan, Carrie shares how she contained the chaos of chronic illness and transformed it into extraordinary art. 🔗 Connect & Resources• Visit Carrie's Platforms & Studio: https://myseveralworlds.com https://www.facebook.com/globetrotterI• Learn more about Crossroads Taiwan: https://crossroads.tw/ If this story resonated with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help us amplify human stories of transformation! 🎙️ About Old Asian Lady Real people. Honest conversations. Stories that challenge assumptions about age, race, gender, identity, culture, and the human experience.
S3 · E2
July 23 · 1 hr 11 min
The 16-Hour Hustle Diary | The Reality of International Students
What does it really take to leave home and build a new life in another country? In this episode of Old Asian Lady, Sharon sits down with Marco Bautista (Philippines) and Trang Vo (Vietnam), two international students who left their home countries to pursue higher education in Taiwan. Behind the excitement of studying abroad lies a story of sacrifice, resilience, and discovering who they are beyond the expectations of family and culture. From working multiple jobs to cover living expenses to adapting to a new language and culture, Marco and Trang share the realities that many people never see. Their stories remind us that personal growth often begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone.
S3 · E1
July 16 · 1 hr
They Gave Me A Spreadsheet to Control My Emotions | My Workplace Treated Me Like a Robot
What does autism actually feel like? In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Fraser Stewart shares his lived experience growing up with Autism, navigating workplace discrimination, learning Mandarin, moving from Scotland to Taiwan, and constantly being misunderstood. Fraser's story challenges common assumptions about Autism and invisible disabilities. He opens up about bullying, communication struggles, social expectations, and why empathy, patience, and understanding matter more than ever. This isn't just a conversation about Autism—it's about being human, belonging, and learning to see people beyond first impressions. If this conversation made you think differently, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Every share helps more people discover meaningful conversations that challenge stereotypes and build understanding. More about Fraser: Stewart IP. My website is: https://www.stewartip.com.tw/en 🎙️ About Old Asian Lady Old Asian Lady is a podcast that explores the life experiences that shape who we become. Through honest conversations with people from different cultures and backgrounds, we challenge assumptions about age, race, gender, identity, and what it means to live an authentic life.
June 30 · 1 min
Old Asian Lady Season 3 Trailer - Lessons, Insights and Unexpected Discoveries
What if the most meaningful stories aren't the ones making headlines, but the ones quietly shaping our lives every day? Season 3 of #OldAsianLady is a collection of conversations with people from different backgrounds, generations, and walks of life who share the experiences that have influenced their perspectives, values, and choices. These aren't stories about having all the answers—they're about the lessons, insights, and unexpected discoveries found along the way. Whether you're navigating change, seeking connection, or simply curious about the human experience, these conversations offer a chance to pause, reflect, and perhaps see your own journey through a different lens. Welcome to Season 3. We're glad you're here! 🎙️ New episodes uploading next week.
June 23 · 11 min
What If One Genuine Compliment Changes How Someone Sees Themselves?
Why is it so much easier to point out what's wrong than what's right? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, William Lu reflects on the cultural differences he experienced while working in the United States, Europe, and Taiwan. After years of teaching dance internationally, William noticed a powerful pattern: environments that encourage people to embrace their strengths often create more confidence, creativity, and growth than environments focused on criticism and perfection. Because sometimes the way we talk to people becomes the way they learn to see themselves.
June 16 · 11 min
My Son Speaks 4 Languages - People Still Call Him a Foreigner
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn't learning a language. It's finding where you belong. In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Marie Mestdagh shares the joys and challenges of raising a multilingual child in Taiwan. At just 2.5 years old, her son speaks French, English, Mandarin, and even some Taiwanese. But while language comes naturally, identity can be much more complicated. As a Bi-racial child growing up in Taiwan, he's still labeled "the foreign kid" despite being Taiwanese. For Marie, that raises deeper questions about belonging, culture, and how parents can help their children feel rooted in their own home.
June 9 · 14 min
How I Changed and Grew Alongside Taiwan Over 41 Years
Home isn't always where you're born. Sometimes it's the place that helps you become who you're meant to be. In this thoughtful conversation on #OldAsianLady, Karen Chung reflects on witnessing Taiwan's transformation from the late martial law era through democratization, cultural renewal, and modernization. Her personal theory is that she and Taiwan have been growing together all these years. The conversation explores belonging, history, aging, connection, and what it means to build a life in a place far from where you started.
June 2 · 13 min
Grew Up Chinese in Panama - I Wasn't a Hyphen
How many people spend their lives discovering: Who Am I? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Jaime Cham reflects on growing up as a Spanish speaking 3rd-generation Chinese Panamanian, moving to the US and then working and living in Asia. He always thought of himself as Chinese—until he met Chinese people from other parts of the world. This is a thoughtful conversation about identity and raising his multicultural sons in an increasingly connected world.
May 26 · 13 min
At 24, I Bought a House…Then Worked 3 Jobs to Survive
What does survival mode actually look like? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Sophie Lee opens up about burnout, financial pressure, and the years she spent pushing herself past her limits just to keep going. From working multiple jobs to breaking down crying in the street—this is a conversation about self-reliance, survival mode, and what happens when your entire life becomes work. Sometimes strength comes from believing nobody else will save you.
May 19 · 7 min
This Asian father chose a different way to love his children
What makes someone different from the generation or culture they grew up in? In this heartwarming clip from#OldAsianLady, Sterling Hsaio reflects on Aging, Independence and Parenting. While many Asian parents are known for being strict, controlling, or heavily focused on academic achievement, he chose a different approach. Perhaps influenced by his early love of English with Western ideas and his own unique personality—instead of expecting his children to fulfill his dreams, he believed they should have space to become themselves—even if their choices were completely different from what he imagined. Sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do… is letting go.
May 17 · 15 min
Surviving Losing My Dream Job and My Mom's Stage 4 Cancer
What do you do when life keeps forcing you to change direction? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, animator and filmmaker JJ Chen opens up about rejection, failure, and trying to rebuild his life while dealing with his mother's cancer diagnosis. After losing 2 projects that later went on to receive Oscar nominations, JJ returned to Taiwan hoping to regroup and focus on his own creative work. Instead, he found himself staying indefinitely to support his mother through illness and uncertainty. Now at 45, he reflects on creative burnout, financial instability and the philosophy that has helped him endure difficult periods in life.
May 5 · 14 min
I Wasn't "Lazy", "Shy" or "Not Trying Hard Enough": Found Out Why at 25
What happens when you grow up feeling like something is “off”… but no one can tell you why? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Mrinal Gakhale shares what it was like growing up undiagnosed with autism—and being labeled as someone who just wasn’t trying hard enough. Facing social challenges and bullying, her experience highlights how autism can go unrecognized, especially in girls. It wasn’t until the age of 25 that she finally received a diagnosis that helped her make sense of her life. This is a powerful conversation about identity, understanding, and the importance of being seen.
April 28 · 20 min
Am I Still Me at 43? Motherhood, Identity & Starting Over
What happens when you lose a part of who you are? In this video from #OldAsianLady, dance artist Wei-Shan Lai shares her journey through thriving career, motherhood, identity, and the quiet struggle of trying to find her way back. After becoming a full-time mom caring for a newborn with medical needs—she stepped away from her creative life. Now at 43, she reflects on self-doubt, cultural pressure, and what it means to rebuild your identity after life changes.
April 21 · 17 min
My Mom is 92… And I Can’t Even Talk to Her on the Phone Anymore
Sometimes, going “home” isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Brian Foden shares the deeply personal decision to leave Taiwan and move back to Canada with his Taiwanese wife and daughter. After building a life, raising a bilingual child, and calling Taiwan home for decades, the choice to leave isn’t simple. It’s shaped by family, identity, and time—especially as his 92-year-old mother’s health declines. This conversation explores the reality of cross-cultural life, raising children between worlds, and the emotional weight of choosing where to belong.

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