#248: Interview With My Grandpa Fong: Immigrating From a War-Torn Country at Age 8 → How He Turned $5/Week Into a Community Pillar
Twelve days after his 87th birthday, my grandpa passed away.
After we said our goodbyes at the funeral and shared a meal together, my family gathered back at his house.
That’s when many of them found out something they hadn’t known:
Several years before his passing, I sat down with my grandpa for six hours of interviews — just asking him questions about his life.
So we pulled out my uncle's Bluetooth speaker, set it on the floor, and for the first time together… listened.
His unforgettable laugh. His voice. His story.
It was one of the most connective family experiences I’ve had.
Originally, I never intended on publishing the recordings.
But after he passed, the first thing I turned to were those audio files.
And after relistening to all 6 hours, one thing became clear:
My grandpa’s story deserves to be told.
Born in a war-torn region of China. Immigrated to the U.S. at age 8 without either of his parents. Couldn’t speak the language. Worked himself to the bone making $5 per week to provide for his family. Faced loan rejection after loan rejection chasing the dream of opening his own restaurant…
… And somehow, through grit and the help of those who believed in him, he built a restaurant that became a staple of the Milwaukee community for 39 years.
But this story isn’t just about my grandpa...
It’s about your family’s stories too.
Because as much as I want you to hear about my grandpa’s journey, my intention is that it inspires you to do something simple yet powerful:
Click record, and get curious with the people you love.
When I sat down to interview my grandpa, I uncovered stories that even my dad didn’t know.
It deepened my self-awareness, helped me understand the mindsets passed from him to my dad… and ultimately to me.
It was a healing journey — and one that gave me the clarity to choose which beliefs I want to carry forward, and which ones I’m ready to evolve.
And finally — this episode is my way of consciously rewriting my grandpa’s story.
In the end, he didn’t believe his life was a success.
But I do.
And I hope it inspires you to reflect on the stories in your lineage — and the power we all have to shape the narratives that carry forward.
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today’s guest, Kenny Fong
Brandon Fong introduces a uniquely personal episode dedicated to his late grandfather, Kenny Fong, who passed away on May 31, 2025. Brandon reflects on the emotional journey of capturing six hours of interviews before his grandfather's passing and how these recordings became a family treasure.
01:43 - The Power of Recording Family Stories
Brandon shares how recording these interviews became a priceless gift, both for preserving family history and deepening self-awareness. He encourages listeners to do the same with their loved ones.
03:03 - Rewriting a Legacy: Honoring Grandpa Fong’s True Success
Brandon explains his purpose behind sharing this episode—to consciously rewrite his grandfather’s story, which he believed wasn’t a success, despite its incredible substance.
04:43 - Escaping War-Torn China as a Child
Kenny recounts his childhood in Taishan, China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, revealing a life shaped by fear, survival, and early trauma.
07:05 - A Terrifying Journey to America at Age 8
Kenny shares the harrowing details of immigrating to the U.S. as a child, including a terrifying plane ride and being separated from his brother during immigration processing.
09:12 - Reuniting with His Father and Life in a New World
Kenny's first reunion with his father was awkward and distant, not the joyful moment he had imagined. He slowly adapts to life in America and later...
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