439. Coach Dan John on Classic Lessons for Modern Times

Matt Fraction is known for his incredible work on titles like “Hawkeye” and “Sex Criminals,” but today, we talk about his new acclaimed Batman run with Jorge Jimenez, and life at 50. It’s always fun to catch up with Matt. I’m especially grateful to hear he is back to full health after a scary brush with covid and hospitalization. We discuss life changes at 50 and I am energized by his joy for writing. If you haven’t started the Batman comic yet, don’t delay. You can also catch up on his ongoing comic Adventureman with Terry Dodson. I’m grateful to share in conversations with friends like Matt and would like to continue on this journey. My favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. 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/vejCzPYIIv4 THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm Discussed in this episode: Batman, 2025 Fraction, Jimenez Paper Asylum Jorge Jimenez Miles Morales, Brian Michael Bendis Scott Snyder Lego Batman Horror Express 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 440. Matt Fraction on Batman and the Big 5-0! first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

In this episode, Dan John and I continue our ongoing Sword in the Stone journey—using this classic book as a guide to examine the world we live in today. What began years ago as a shared exploration of education and mentorship has become something unexpected for me. As a scholar and educator, Dan graciously helps me navigate difficult but important distinctions, including the differences between fascism, communism, and socialism. So yes, he is fulfilling his role as an educator, but beyond that, I value his friendship and time. Dan is a busy man, and I truly appreciate his enthusiasm to discuss this book with me and the philosophical conversations that tangent from the chapter we are exploring. You don’t need to have read the book in order to enjoy this episode, but I highly recommend it! We also speak about the loss of one of the great storytellers of our time, Rob Reiner. I am very grateful to call Dan my friend and love the opportunity to learn from him. I hope you enjoyed the episode. If you did, please share this podcast with others and rate it on your platform of choice. You can also take one extra step to show your love by donating to the show on 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: Rob Reiner This Is Spinal Tap The Princess Bride When Harry Met Sally The Freshman (movie) Knives Out 3 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 439. Coach Dan John on Classic Lessons for Modern Times first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

Gene Luen Yang is an award-winning author and comic creator of American Born Chinese, Lunar New Year Love Story, Superman Smashes the Klan, Shang Chi, and more. He is currently creating Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Books of Clash, check it out if you haven’t yet. I loved catching up with Gene and learning about his writing process and struggles to stay creative amidst the modern world distractions. It’s great to know that despite how prolific he is as a writer and artist, he is human, like the rest of us. Speaking of humanity, we also delve into the pros and cons of AI and what his hopes are for the future of art despite the rise of AI. It is such an honor to talk to guests like Gene.  If you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback.  If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit 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: Home – Cartoonist & Teacher | Gene Luen Yang TMNT – GLY issues Freedom App Minimalist App 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 438. Gene Luen Yang on TMNT, creativity, and the writing process first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

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. 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.