“I wasn’t given a racing car. I chose it. But for other girls, it’s never an option," says motorsport star Bianca Bustamante, on Crazy Smart Asia. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the GB3 racer discusses her social media game, the sacrifices her family made to finance her dream, how racing lets her escape societal expectations an…

Christopher HK Lee is an award-winning film director and content producer with over 35 years of experience in media, animation, and education. His acclaimed documentaries, including "The Last Tear" and "Forgotten Victory," have earned over 60 awards and been screened at top festivals, including the Oscars and Cannes. A former professor at instituti…

“You can always turn something bad into good,” says 9gag co-founder Ray Chan, on Crazy Smart Asia. In conversation with Tatler’s Chong Seow Wei, the Hong Kong entrepreneur discusses building one of the world’s largest online meme platforms, the time he brought a rice cooker to a startup accelerator programme and how experiencing baby loss puts pett…

Panney Wei is an award-winning motivational speaker, certified clinical hypnotherapist, and the Chief Empowerment Officer of See the Way Consulting. With a rich heritage linked to Qing dynasty General Tso Tsung-tang, Panney inspires individuals, especially women, to unleash their potential and achieve lasting transformation through hypnotherapy, co…

Vera Chow is a Hong Kong-raised, NYC/LA-based Film and TV Costume Designer best known for her work on AMC’s The Walking Dead and Netflix’s The Brothers Sun, starring Michelle Yeoh. With nearly 20 years of global experience, her dynamic portfolio spans period dramas, sci-fi, arthouse, and large-scale epics, including recent critically acclaimed proj…

Anthony Basco is the founder of Boss Coast LLC, a bold brand born from resilience, redemption, and a powerful personal journey. After serving nearly a decade in prison, Anthony transformed a simple recipe into a mission-driven business that now reaches shelves across North America. Through his work as a speaker and mentor, he uses his story to insp…

Dr. Jeffrey Soo Kim is an accomplished educator with over 23 years of experience in schools, having served as an instructional coach, administrator, civic lead, teacher educator, and curriculum author. He created the first high school Korean American Studies course for Anaheim Union High School District and currently teaches future education leader…

Susan Zhang is a pianist, educator, and entrepreneur known for her dynamic performances and innovative outreach. A prizewinning soloist, she has performed internationally and co-founded The Concert Truck, a mobile music venue bringing classical concerts to outdoor spaces nationwide. Susan has collaborated with major institutions like the Kennedy Ce…

Jen Soriano is a Filipinx-American writer, performer, and narrative strategist whose work bridges grassroots organizing and art-driven social change. They are the award-winning author of Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing and co-editor of Closer to Liberation: A Pina/xy Activist Anthology. A recipient of fellowships from Artist Trust, Hugo Hou…

Radhika Vekaria is a Grammy-nominated British-Indian artist known for blending ancient Sanskrit mantras with modern soundscapes to create spiritually immersive music. Having overcome a childhood speech impediment through singing, she now uses her voice as a tool for healing and transformation. Her acclaimed album Warriors of Light earned her a 2025…

Nicole Cabell is an award-winning American soprano known for her rich voice and versatile artistry. Born in California with African American, Korean, and Caucasian heritage, she rose to international fame after winning the 2005 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. She has performed leading roles at top opera houses like the Royal Opera Hous…

Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, caterer, and Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The daughter of restaurateur Leeann Chin, Katie grew up in the kitchen before beginning a successful career in film and television marketing—eventually returning to her culinary roots. She co-hosted the PBS se…

From a visual development artist who’s worked on major Hollywood animations to a horror filmmaker terrifying audiences without the jump scares, season 11 of Crazy Smart Asia presents powerful lessons on work and life from Asia’s film industry leaders. Listen for five of the most powerful mindbombs from the season’s guests, designed to help you thin…

Minji Chang is a Korean American actor, producer, writer, and podcast host based in Los Angeles. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she earned a BA in Public Health from UC Berkeley and initially worked in violence prevention and tech before transitioning to the entertainment industry. She served as the Global Executive Director of Kollabo…

“If you don’t start calling yourself an artist, no one will,” says Singaporean-Taiwanese actor and writer Grace Chow, on Crazy Smart Asia. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ star discusses how to cultivate and protect your creative outlook, how she landed her breakout role in Australian TV series ‘Mystery Roa…

Adhrucia Apana is an Artist, Writer, and the Founder of the production company Curiosity Entertainment, which develops and packages film and television, books, and provides music supervision. As a producer, she’s brought powerful films to life, including the Emmy-nominated “The Survivor” by Barry Levinson starring Ben Foster, “Needle in a Timestack…

“The Projector is a space for people who are curious,” says Karen Tan, the co-founder of Singapore’s only independent cinema, The Projector, on Crazy Smart Asia. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses the benefits and challenges of disrupting a traditional industry, balancing creativity with business demands and why she l…

“Horror is like a rollercoaster ride, it mirrors us as human beings,” says Kenneth Dagatan, the film director behind the Philippines’ first scary film to premiere at the Sundance’s Midnight Section. On Crazy Smart Asia, Dagatan shares with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei his philosophy of horror beyond cheap thrills, the joy of directing with playful…

“Animation is a magical thing that can bring ideas and beauty to people who don’t get access,” says visual development artist Desiree Ong on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Ong shares about the film that sparked her curiosity in animation, being a graphic designer for Guillermo del Toro’s award-winn…

“The more specific you are, the more global you are,” says Tan Si En, an award-winning Singaporean film producer and founder of Momo Film Co, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, they share why the best producers are like rivers – they flow with the bends, why the best films tell stories that are true…

“Being a film composer is about how good your instincts are,” says music composer Elliot Leung on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Hong Kong native discusses the process of composing big orchestral scores for blockbusters, why the ultimate compliment is the audience humming the main theme song in…

This week, we present five motivating quotes from the guests of Season 10 of Crazy Smart Asia. From understanding what real confidence looks like to grasping every opportunity that comes your way, these mind bombs tackle what it means to build a better world, better business or better you. If you enjoyed these short clips, why not go back and liste…

“In many ways, we are eating ourselves to our own extinction,” says Christophe Bariou, the co-founder of Dehusk, Maison Bukana and Maison Bukana Wines, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino-French entrepreneur discusses overcoming a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in his twenties, living…

“The most important quest of an entrepreneur is to focus on your customers,” says Caecilia Chu, the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based fintech company YouTrip, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses building Southeast Asia’s first multicurrency mobile wallet, nailing product market fit,…

“To do something great, you need to have focus, discipline and consistency,” says Mathew Leong, executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Re-naa, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Stavanger-based Singaporean chef opens up about moving to Norway with just $500 in his pocket, how competition…

“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leade…

“You have to know yourself well,” says Tim Yap, the co-founder and CEO of events and PR agency, Yaparazzi, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino Chinese shares his incredible career through showbiz to events and PR, why he’s passionate about putting the Philippines on the world stage and w…

“I wanted to do something so hard that people could not ever talk shit to me ever again,” says Gene Yu, co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Blackpanda, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Taiwanese American shares the scary hostage rescue of a family friend that got him into cybersecurity, w…

“Innovation is supposed to be fun,” says Vince Siu, founder and CEO of Press Start Academy and Press Start Studios, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Siu shares why education needs a shake up, how his business started as “board game socials” he hosted for friends and how he navigates being an intro…

Jonathan is a serial entrepreneur and investor, known for founding Geekwire.com and PicMonkey, a leading photo-editing platform. He currently owns and publishes the re-booted Seattle Magazine and Seattle Business Magazine. Jonathan has the unique distinction of being the first to sell two companies to Google and a third to Shutterstock. His latest …

Lieutenant Taerance Oh has served with the San Diego Police Department for over 21 years. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, he immigrated to the U.S. at age three and grew up in Los Angeles. A former United States Marine, Taerance is a 3rd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoys coaching martial arts. He has held various roles within the depa…

Flip Ahn Cuddy, an American of Irish and Korean heritage, is a descendant of the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho family, the first Korean American family in the U.S. His mother, Susan Ahn Cuddy, was the first Asian woman in the U.S. Navy and the first female Gunnery Officer in U.S. Armed Forces history. Flip holds degrees in Anthropology and Geography and is an…

“We want them to be masterful, to look like superstars,” says Tryke Gutierrez, the co-founder and CEO of Tier One Entertainment, an esports and entertainment company, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Gutierrez shares why he’s inspired by the K-pop business model, how leadership is the only truly scalable…

This week, we pick out five inspiring quotes from the guests of season nine of Crazy Smart Asia. From being at peace with fear and failure to how to create viral social content, these insights can help you build a better world, better business or better you. If you enjoyed these short clips, why not go back and listen to the full episodes: Fighting…

Kalaya'an Mendoza is a Queer, Disabled, Filipino human rights defender, street medic, and community safety & mutual protection expert. For the last two decades, he has worked in solidarity with frontline communities worldwide to co-build their capacity to respond to state and non-state actor violence. He currently serves as the Director of Mutual P…

“There are many kinds of people in the world. And you don’t have to change yourself to fit in,” says Cheryl Wee, founder of CW, the Company of Wellness. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on Crazy Smart Asia, the former Singaporean actress shares the harsh reality of being a young starlet in Taiwan, how she navigates working in her family …

Jeremiah Abraham is an award-winning Marketing and Public Relations Executive with nearly 20 years in the entertainment industry. As the Founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications, he has become a leading voice in making Hollywood more inclusive of the AAPI community, spotlighting talent, and producing films and TV shows. His notable projects inc…

“You need to be clear-headed during a mission, both as a humanitarian and in space,” says Kristine Jane Atienza. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the Filipina shares how she balances being a space nutritionist with her work in public health, what it’s like training for a mission to Mars and why crumbs are…

Kristy Drutman, known as "Browngirl Green," is a media producer, speaker, and environmental educator focusing on the intersection of media, diversity, and environmentalism. She has reached global audiences with her content and workshops on environmental issues. As the Co-Founder of the Green Jobs Board, Kristy is committed to bridging the equity ga…

“I don’t think you can ever guarantee that your video will go viral, but you can definitely control the factors to increase the chances,” says food content creator Abi Marquez, who has millions of followers on social media. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the Filipina shares more tips on creating viral c…

Venk Modur is a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist, costume designer, and actor whose clients have been featured on the Academy Awards red carpet, in Vanity Fair magazine, and on numerous 'best dressed' lists. His aesthetic combines fashion with cultural significance and unique uses of accessories, bold colors, and neutrals. He's mastered the art …

Karan Soni was born in New Delhi, India. He debuted as Kemal in Yusuf Sumer's short comedy film Kaka Nirvana, where he co-starred with Rachel Quinn. In 2016, Soni rose to international prominence as Dopinder in Tim Miller's action film Deadpool, a role he later reprised in David Leitch's sequel Deadpool 2. In this episode, Karan shared insights abo…

Loida Lewis is the first Filipina lawyer to pass the New York State Bar and is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and leader in the global Filipino community. After her husband's passing, she took over TLC Beatrice International, driving the company to continued success. A former General Attorney for the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, Lew…

DJ KSLY (K-Sly) is the first Asian female DJ to achieve mainstream success and has been a trailblazer since the '90s. Starting when DJing was just a hobby, she turned it into a career, aiming for multi-platform success as a Party, Radio, and TV DJ. KSLY disrupted the industry, paving the way for more women DJs. She is now part of the female-led Pri…

“So few people are trying to build markets for essential health products,” says Edward Booty, the founder and CEO of reach52, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Booty shares how we can transform the global healthcare system to boost access, why he doesn’t believe in generic startup advice, and the terrifyi…

“Every esports game might have a million-dollar price tag,” says Tiffani Lim on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Lim shares her journey from pro gamer to team manager and athletes committee chair at the International Esports Federation, navigating family estrangements as a result of her career choice, advoc…

“I’m just another human when I don’t play badminton,” says Penang-born Singapore-based badminton champion Loh Kean Yew on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the 27-year-old Olympian shares how he balanced training and education at the Singapore Sports School, persevered through injuries and setbacks to make t…

“Go where the opportunity is, even if it scares you,” says Ramona Pascual, who was Hong Kong’s first and only female UFC fighter, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she shares what it takes to fight in the UFC, why you should never underestimate a good night’s sleep and dealing with life-changing cu…

Stephen Gong has been the Executive Director of the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) since 2006. He joined CAAM in 1980 and has held positions at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Film Institute. Stephen has also lectured in Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley, where he d…

“Do whatever the hell you want. That, to me, is really being an auntie,” shares architect turned AI artist, Niceaunties, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Niceaunties shares why she was compelled to create an AI art world celebrating and interrogating everything auntie, the creative potential of hu…