Take 1.5 Podcast: Stories From The In-Between

기러기 가족의 둘째 딸로 1994년 미국에 온 최유정은, 미국에서 자라며 서구적인 사고방식을 갖게 되었지만 여전히 마음속엔 한국인의 정서를 간직한 “1.75세”입니다. 15년간 와인 회사에서 회계 업무를 하다 팬데믹을 계기로 교육 비영리 분야로 커리어 전환, 현재는 파이낸스 전문가로 일하는 동시에 한 아들의 엄마로 살아가고 있습니다.이번 에피소드에서는 유정이 지난 16년간 청소년 기독교 컨퍼런스를 통해 한국계 미국 청소년들과 함께하며 느낀 사랑과 책임, 그리고 10대 아들을 키우며 배우게 된 “미국식” 대화법과 “한국식” 정서 사이의 균형에 대해 나눕니다.부모로서 어떻게 자녀와 소통할 수 있을지, 특히 문화적 차이 속에서 갈등을 줄이고 공감을 쌓아갈 수 있는 방법은 무엇일지 고민하는 부모님들께 따뜻한 조언을 전합니다.자녀와의 관계에 대해 고민 중인 분들이라면, 유정의 이야기를 통해 위로와 힌트를 얻을 수 있을 거예요.

What does it mean to be heard without being seen?In this episode of Take 1.5, we sit down with Alex 현지 Wang, a Korean-American foley artist who shapes the emotional undercurrent of shows like Severance, Godfather of Harlem Season 4, Emily in Paris, and many more. Her work lives in the details—the creak of a chair, the echo of footsteps—sounds that make a scene feel real but often go unnoticed.Alex shares how she found his way into this quiet, hands-on craft, and how navigating the margins—as both a foley artist and a Korean American—has taught her to embrace the in-between. We talk about cultural identity, creative invisibility, and the deep resonance of sound in shaping how we feel, remember, and belong.This is a conversation about what we hear when we slow down—and what it means to build entire worlds from the background.https://www.youtube.com/@LikeAlexinUS

In this heartfelt episode of Take 1.5, we sit down with Heejin and Jimmi from Love After Divorce Season 4 to talk about what life has looked like after the cameras stopped rolling. From their whirlwind romance on the show to getting married, having a baby, and moving to Vancouver, Heejin and Jimmi open up about building a life together as a cross-border couple.We also dive into their experiences living as 1.5-generation Koreans—navigating identity, language, and love between cultures and continents. Join us for an honest, funny, and touching conversation about starting over, growing together, and redefining what it means to find home and family—again.

In this episode of Take 1.5, we’re joined by best-selling children’s author, educator, and podcast host Chelsea Chong Kim, whose beloved book Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl is inspiring a generation of young readers to embrace who they are.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Chelsea brings over a decade of experience as a master educator into every story she tells. We explore how her background in teaching shaped the journey of Carol—a shy carrot who learns that being different is her greatest strength. Through themes of inclusion, friendship, perseverance, and confidence, Chelsea invites children to shine in their own way, even when it feels hard to speak up.We talk about the power of storytelling in childhood development, Chelsea’s creative process, and how Carol the Carrot grew into a fan-favorite book, celebrated in classrooms and homes alike. Chelsea also shares insights from her podcast Chelsea’s Story Nook, her work with “Your Favorite Homeroom Teacher: Shy to Shine,” and her mission to help every child feel seen, supported, and ready to lead.This episode is a warm invitation into Chelsea’s colorful world—where books build confidence, carrots find their place, and kids learn that being themselves is more than enough.

In this intimate conversation, I sit down with my 78-year-old mother as she shares her story of resilience, sacrifice, and love. A first-generation immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in the 1980s, she worked long hours in a garment factory to provide a better future for her children. She opens up about her dreams, disappointments, and the quiet strength that carried her through a difficult marriage and crushed hopes. Now a proud grandmother—and recently, a great-grandmother—she reflects on the heartbreaks and joys that shaped her life. This is her voice, her journey, in her own words.#gyopo #immigrants #1generationimmigrants #immigrantfamilystory #koreanamericanstory #asianamericanstory #1.5generation #culture #bi-cultural

Ahrom Kim, PhD, is a 1.25 generation Korean immigrant, UX researcher, educator, former biology professor, and working mom. In this episode, she shares her journey from Korea to the U.S., her pivot from academia to tech, and how she's learned to navigate parenting and professional life with a growth mindset. We talk about why trusting a child’s natural curiosity can lead to greater success than chasing perfect grades—and how cultural expectations around achievement are evolving.🎧 Listen for insights on:Bridging Korean and American education systemsCareer reinvention across disciplinesParenting without pressureGrowth mindset in work and life#Podcast #Take1.5 #AhromKim #KoreanAmerican #Parenting #UXResearch #GrowthMindset #ImmigrantStories #CareerPivot #WomenInTech#koreanamericanstory

🇰🇷🇺🇸 Meet Rosa Her — a Korean-born UX/UI designer whose creative journey spans the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Since first arriving in the U.S. as an exchange student in 2008, Rosa has built a dynamic career in digital design, working with clients across South Korea and the United States. Now based in New York, she continues to bridge cultures through both design and performance.In 2015, she was awarded Miss Photogenic at the Miss Asian Global Pageant in San Francisco, a reflection of her vibrant presence and confidence. Beyond design, Rosa is also a passionate performer — since 2018, she's been dancing with Harmonyc, a K-pop cover team that celebrates Korean culture through choreography and community.🎨 Whether through pixels or performances, Rosa brings creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural connection to everything she does.📍Follow her story of design, dance, and discovery across continents and cultures.

By 25, Kevin was the youngest department head in his industry, leading a team of 60+ and racing up the corporate ladder. On the outside, he had it all. But behind the scenes, he was working 15–18-hour days, sacrificing friendships, and convincing himself there was no time for meaningful connection.That all changed in 2020 during his first solo trip. What started as an escape became a turning point—he formed deep friendships with strangers, experienced the richness of human connection, and realized what he had been missing all along.Fast forward to today: Kevin’s built thriving social circles across 15 countries and 5 continents, connecting with people from over 140 nationalities. Now, he helps other high achievers build the relationships they never thought they had time for.This episode reminds us that success isn’t just about titles or numbers—it’s about the people we share it with.*****Contact Kevin https://www.instagram.com/thekoreanexpat/

Celina Lee is the founder of Live Your Dream Club and a globally recognized executive and career coach. She is also a lawyer, award-winning writer, and the host of Live Your Dream Podcast.She has extensive experiences coaching many executives and corporate professionals to achieve success and fulfillment in their careers, and has given speeches and delivered workshops in many countries. Celina started her career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch and worked as a corporate lawyer at a law firm, Ropes & Gray LLP in New York City. On her Live Your Dream Podcast, which has listeners from over 100 countries around the world, she shares lessons learned in her journey as well as interviews from inspirational leaders from diverse industries about what they have learned in life and career.Celina is the founder of Give One Dream, a global movement that inspires people to pursue and achieve their dreams.She has been invited to deliver keynote speeches and speak at industry-leading events, universities, and organizations including TEDx, MIT, Stanford, Princeton University, and Google.Celina received her undergraduate degree from MIT and law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. She is a certified professional coach and is a graduate of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). www.celinalee.co/

Patrick (and Jessica) of VanBooboo join me in this episode. They quit their jobs, sold the house, and hit the road with their three dogs to chase adventure across Alaska in a camper van. Yep, they lived the van life for three years, wild and free!They are now settled in Anchorage, but their love for the wild is still going strong. In this episode, Patrick shares stories from the road, life with the dogs, wild Alaskan moments, fishing tales, hiking highs, how they forage and live close to nature, and some valuable travel tips.🎣 Fishing | 🌲 Hiking | 🐻 Wildlife | 🍄 Foraging | 🛻 Van Life Vibes📍 Now based in Anchorage, AK Contact Vanbooboo for travel tips🎧 Tune in, chill out, and let’s explore together.#VanBoobooWH #VanLifeAlaska #DogsInAVan #AlaskaAdventures #LifeOutdoors #FromVanToAnchorage#travel#travelvlog#gyopo#koreanamerican#immigrantlife#alaska#wildlife#koreanamerican#1.5generation#bicultural#bilingual#identity#selfaware#koreanamericanstory