431. Kelly Sue DeConnick on movies, FML, and Good Will

Oscar and I discuss the habits that hold up during busy or stressful seasons. Having just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary, we also talk about relationships. As we gear up for another holiday season — we share our best practices and commitments for staying healthy both mentally and physically. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. https://youtu.be/iJ1GGuvr2mk 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 437. MiOsc on Staying Well During Stressful Times + Relationship Talk first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

In this episode, Oscar and I are back at sea! We discuss our travels with book recommendations and explore what it means to understand who you are at your core. We talk about discovering purpose as an ongoing practice — something that evolves with experience and reflection. If you’re watching on YouTube, you can laugh along with us as we hang out in the middle of the ocean. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: NW by Zadie Smith The Martian by Andy Weir Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark Mcilvanney on Boxing by Hugh Mcilvanney 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 436. MiOsc on what makes you unique? first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with my bestie, Dr. Mark Cheng, for a conversation that hits close to home for so many of us. Together, we unpack the challenges of elder care, the tough but necessary conversations families often avoid, and what it means to be part of the “sandwich generation.” We dive into the difference between being reactive and proactive when it comes to aging and health—and how a shift in mindset can make all the difference. Most importantly, Dr. Cheng shares the #1 preventive martial arts technique that could literally save your life. Curious what it is? You’ll have to tune in to find out. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: HBOT Gray Cook – Functional Movement System Peter Crone 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 435. Dr. Mark Cheng on the To Do List for Healthy Aging first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I always enjoy sitting down with Brett Jones, Master Strong First instructor, athletic trainer, and author of many books on strength training. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to stay consistent for the long haul, how to reinvent yourself at 54, and the many types of addiction that plague us. What I value most in my conversations with Brett is his honesty and openness. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics, and his perspective reminds us that strength is about much more than physical training. It’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to keep showing up—both in the gym and in life. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3PRL-feYSw 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 434. Brett Jones on Consistency, Reinvention, and Life 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 433. ICYMI Suzy Chan on breast cancer, tai chi and music first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I had the honor of sitting down with Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani for an inspiring conversation. We dive into what motivates her, her reflections on public service, and her bold decision to run for mayor. Beyond politics, this episode is also about getting to know Anna—the person behind the headlines. From her passion for community to the values that drive her, Anna shares openly about the experiences that shaped her journey and continue to fuel her commitment to service. I’m grateful to call Anna a friend who has always supported our community—and me personally. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: Our Story — ANNA FOR ORLANDO MAYOR CoVid-19 Team Anna campaigns Legislative works If you’d like to learn more, support the mission, or get directly involved, visit Anna V. Eskamani website. You can: Volunteer through canvassing, calls, postcard writing, or even virtual support—there’s a role for everyone. Sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on programs, events, and important news. Make a pledge to help fuel the movement during this legislative session and beyond. Join upcoming events and connect with the community while standing up for what matters. Every small action creates ripples of change—start yours today and check here for more!   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 432. Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani on the Future of Orlando first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I had the absolute joy of catching up with my dear friend, the brilliant Kelly Sue DeConnick. We cover it all—from swapping movie reviews and sharing updates on family life, shopping at Good Will, and so much more. Kelly Sue is the acclaimed writer behind Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons, the groundbreaking Captain Marvel run that inspired the film, and creator-owned favorites like Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly. And her latest comic, FML is out—be sure to pick it up today from your local comic book store. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: FML #1 :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics John Wick Franchise Ballerina Movie Superman Movie James Bond Skyfall Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Inglorious Basterds SALT movie Fantastic 4 James Gunn Wes Anderson Wonder Woman Historia About Kelly Sue Ms. DeConnick first came to prominence as a comics writer, where she is best known for reinventing the Carol Danvers as “Captain Marvel” at Marvel and for the Black Label standard-setting Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons at DC. Her independent comics Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly (both from Image Comics) have ranked as New York Times best-sellers. Her books have been honored with Alfie, Eisner and British Fantasy Awards, the Bronze Medal for International Manga from Japan, as well as Hugo and Oregon Book Award nominations. Ms. DeConnick’s screen work includes stints on Captain Marvel, a film that earned $1B for Disney worldwide, as well as 2023’s The Marvels with Marvel Studios; in addition to having consulted on features for Skydance and ARRAY, and developed television for NBCUniversal, Legendary Entertainment, Amazon Studios and HBOMax. Her most recent stage work is the mythic spectacle AWAKENING, which opened at the Wynn Resort Las Vegas in November 2022. Mission-driven, Ms. DeConnick is a founding partner at CAAVE Media and Good Trouble Productions, where she has helped to produce non-fiction and educational comics including the “Hidden Voices” and “Recognized” series for NY Public Schools and Congressman John Lewis’ Run, in partnership with Abrams Comics. In 2015, Ms. DeConnick founded the #VisibleWomen Project, whose mission is to help women and other marginalized genders find paid work in comics and its related industries. The project continues to this day and recently expanded in partnership with Dani Hedlund of Brink Literacy. Ms. DeConnick is proud to serve on the Video Game Advisory Board for the Gina Davis Institute, and the on Board of Directors for the Urban League chapter in Portland, OR, where she lives with her husband, writer Matt Fraction, and their two children.   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 431. Kelly Sue DeConnick on movies, FML, and Good Will first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

It’s another MiOsc episode on martial arts and fitness progression. The truth of any discipline is that progress is not a straight line. We discuss the importance of understanding your “why”—the core motivation that fuels your training. The conversation also explores the idea of falling in love with the basics, finding value and joy in foundational movements versus just the flashy stuff. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: Brett Jones Dan John Dr. Mark Cheng Cal Newport Deep Work Book Wayne Tsse Greg Rucka Jim Lee Phil Jimenez Gene Ha Nicola Scott 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 430. MiOsc on martial arts progression first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

I am always grateful to have a conversation with my friend legendary Coach Dan John. Over the years, we’ve been exploring T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, using it as a lens to explore education, mentorship, and the way we learn. In this episode, we explore the distinction between knowledge gained through questions and experience versus a quick Google search, youtube, or even reading. You don’t need to have read The Sword in the Stone to enjoy this episode, though I highly recommend it. The themes we explore are universal and I love being on this journey with Dan. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. If you do, please share the episode and take a moment to rate the podcast on your platform of choice. 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 my website or Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: LARP Renaissance Fairs Angedi Legion of Superheroes How I Met Your Mother 1991 Oscars 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 429. Coach Dan John on Education Through Experience first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

As someone who grew up balancing tradition in a modern world, I’m always drawn to stories that imagine the future through a different lens—especially one that isn’t all doom and dystopia. Especially right now. I had the pleasure of speaking with Abigail Hing Wen—author, filmmaker, and creator of the new book The Vale. It’s a hopeful and imaginative adventure that explores AI, creativity, identity, and moral responsibility. I pick Abigail’s brain about the fear surrounding AI and how she manages to show us its more hopeful, human side. We talk about everything from ethics and empathy to what it means to see girls and women in empowered roles. I loved hearing about her vision for young readers, her personal connection to the story, and how she brought this whole world to life—including an original short film featuring none other than Lea Salonga! This conversation hit on a lot of themes that matter to me—discipline, imagination, storytelling, and representation. Please preorder The Vale from your local bookstore or Barnes and Noble and support stories that inspire. 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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan. THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI Paramount Plus original film, LOVE IN TAIPEI Website – Abigail Hing Wen Instagram – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen)https://youtu.be/ARAVXpfWeP4 TikTok – Abigail Hing Wen on TikTok Facebook – Abigail Hing Wen Threads – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen) • Threads, Say more X/Twitter – Abigail Hing Wen Updates (@abigailhingwen) on X Goodreads – The Vale Barnes & Noble – The Vale Bookshop – The Vale SUPPORT THE LAUNCH BY PREORDERING THE VALE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 Submit receipts here to receive a free Vale sticker sheet. Drop by Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in Manhattan for a free trial sized scoop with receipt. Indie Bookstores Preorder Campaign — The Vale 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 428. Abigail Hing Wen on AI, Representation, and Imagination first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.