$6.99 Per Pound

Last Call: Special Series Dedicated to the Covid-19 Crisis In this episode, Jaeki and Jojo talk with Rachel Zheng & Nan Liu in Beijing to get a first hand account of what life was like in China during the lockdown. China had the extraordinary task of responding to COVID-19 during Lunar New Year, which is the busiest time of the year in terms of travel and visiting family. Learn how Rachel and Nan’s lives were turned sideways as Beijing went under lockdown and local health checks and national contact tracing went into effect. Join us for a inside look into their lives under quarantine in a city of 21.5 million people that came to a stand still. Tune in now! During their quarantine Rachel and Nan started a Mandarin podcast called 自由自在 "Cosmic Freedom". Check it out! Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%E8%87%AA%E7%94%B1%E8%87%AA%E5%9C%A8/id1501142273 Ximalaya: https://m.ximalaya.com/share/album/33057963 Follow them: Rachel Zheng  IG: @madeinrr_onlyinchina wechat: @zhengruonan Nan Liu

Last Call: Special Series Dedicated to the Covid-19 Crisis Jaeki says:  “Yo, we caught up with Cliff Cho, owner of famed New York City bar Fat Buddha and the newly opened omakase sushi restaurant OMOMO. Cliff, who’s a veteran events promoter and DJ, opened up Fat Buddha in the East Village nearly a decade ago. The establishment has since become a nightlife staple for New Yorkers seeking classic hip-hop. It’s also a hub for the Asian-American artist community with notable regulars including Dumbfoundead, Awkwafina, and of course, me. Unfortunately, like all restaurants facing the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Cliff’s businesses—Fat Buddha and OMOMO—have both halted operations. As part of the special Last Call Series, we spoke to Cliff on how he’s coping with the economic impact due to the pandemic and tips on how to operate a small business in these times.” Follow Cliff Cho on IG @lordkimchi Support Fat Buddha Bar and its employees Follow and share on IG @fatbuddhbar Order Delivery: https://www.grubhub.com/re

Last Call: Special Series Dedicated to the Covid-19 Crisis  In the coming weeks, $6.99 Per Pound is going to provide you perspectives and personal stories on how Asians have been impacted by COVID-19. Make sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest drops from our special series! This week, Jojo was joined by Ivy Yang, the founder of the Wuhan Reboot Project, which aims to begin the rebuilding and healing process in the aftermath of the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. Known as "The Chicago of China", Wuhan is a vibrant city of 11 million people with a rebellious history, diverse music scene, a delicious breakfast culture. Ivy and her dedicated team are determined to showcase the beauty and humanity of the city to shift the perception of Wuhanese and Chinese people around the world. In this episode, Ivy talks about her memories of Wuhan and all the committed community heroes that have volunteered to provide vital services on the ground - including her Auntie. It is clear Wuhan and its people are n

Jojo says: This week, we teamed up with the fabulous ladies of Collective Shades to talk about being a WOC (Woman of Color) in the workplace and navigating the treacherous competition at NYC. This episode was LADIES ONLY and we got to unleash all of our gripes but also how each of us fought to move up without sacrificing being true to ourselves. We touch on microaggressions, code-switching, and flat-out discrimination in the workplace and how to keep sane and poised through it all. Collective Shades is a Creative and Lifestyle Digital Platform founded by Angie Pearson and Litsey Aguilar that celebrates Women of Color from all ethnicities in creative fields. Their mission is to highlight and connect Women of Color by providing a community of empowerment and conversation. Find out more about them here: https://www.collectiveshades.com/about and @collectiveshades _____ Thank you to all the fans that continue to support! If you enjoyed this episode leave a review and tell us why you vibe with our pod. F

Career: FDNY Firefighter Sarinya’s Personal Mantra: "To your own self, be true" This week Jaeki & Joann sit down with Sarinya Srisakul about her 14 year career as a firefighter with the FDNY. She is the first-ever Asian Women firefighter in the history of FDNY, which is crazy to think about since FDNY has been around since 1865. Once an art school dropout, Sarinya learned about firefighting when her friend convinced her to attend a FDNY information session. She knew she wanted to be a firefighter after watching a sizzle real of FDNY battling flames around New York. Sarinya started fighting fires with Engine Company 5 in East Village and recently became the first Asian women to become a FDNY Lieutenant for the North Queens area. She also served as the President of the United Women's Firefighters (UWF) for 6 years, who's mission is to promote the interests and welfare of women firefighters and women fire officers in New York City. Sarinya is a tireless servant-leader that makes it her mission to advocate a

Career: Founder & Chief Curator of caribBeing Shelley’s Personal Mantras: "Show me your company and I will show you who you are" & "Everyone can't be like you" This week Shelley Worrell sits down with Jaeki and Michael ($6.99 Producer) to talk about caribBEING, a cultural organization that stands at the crossroads of Caribbean art, film, and culture. Since founding caribBeing in 2010, Shelley has produced over 200 public programs in partnership with the top cultural institutions in New York City. Make sure to visit the caribBEING House, a brightly painted converted shipping container, around Prospect Park in June as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary residence with Prospect Park Alliance for National Caribbean American Heritage Month. She has also been asked to present in Poland, France, Barbados, and Hati proving her work is simultaneously hyper-local and global. Prior to cariBEING, Shelley had a successful career in global partnerships and business development for the likes of Google, A&E, a

Career: Author & Sports Journalist Seth’s Personal Mantra: “Stay Winning” This week Seth Berkman joins Jaeki and Jojo to talk about his latest book “A Team of Their Own: How an International Sisterhood Made Olympic History”. The book provides an inside look into the South Korean Women’s Hockey team as they prepared for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and the last minute unification with the North Korean Women's hockey team. Since its release in October of 2019, it has been named by ESPN Undefeated's 25 Can't Miss Books of 2019 and featured in the New York Times year-end holiday book review. This true story is about sisterhood, national identity, and culture as South Korean players welcomed Korean adoptees from North America and North Korea players to share a moment in history. In our conversation, Seth also gives us insight into the world of publishing a book. How do you find a publisher, how do book advances really work, how do you connect with subjects, and most importantly how do you turn your

We are back just in time for the real new year with our first episode of 2020! Hosts Jaeki Cho and Joann Cho sit down to talk about how they celebrate the new year as Koreans. We also get into the differences between new year festivities in New York City and the San Gabriel valley aka the 626.  As we are a career based podcast, we also hit you with some real practical advice that you can use at your job and networking events next week. Get Jaeki and Jojo’s take on dressing for success, how to get to know everyone in your company, and how to move swiftly at networking events. _______ Thank you to all the fans that continue to support! If you enjoyed this episode leave a review and tell us why you vibe with our pod.  Follow the podcast @699PERPOUND on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter If you hear something righteous, tag us on your Instagram story and tell us why people need to listen to 6.99.  You can now support us monetarily by setting up small monthly donation @anchor.fm/699-per-pound/suppor

Jaeki says: “I always wanted to speak with those that work for the MTA. They move New York, but we've all had our gripes with the subway--the delays, the construction, the rising prices, etc. However, this week's guest tells us all about the other side. She's been working at the MTA for more than 25 years.  Joanna Briley, a standup comedian with two decades of experience, as a token booth clerk for the MTA. She claims to be the friendliest person holding this position and we believe it. Joanna shares in detail on how to join the MTA, the pros and cons of the job, and the work culture that inspired her to pursue standup comedy. The Brooklyn-based comedian now produces her own comedy showcase fittingly titled Laff Tracks (get it?), where she and fellow MTA colleagues share the stage. I walked away from this episode with a new perspective on the MTA, especially token booth clerks. If you listen, I’m certain you will, too. Bong!” Also, look out for the dates for the 2020 Black Women’s Comedy Festival.

Michael says… Joann and Jaeki fly solo this week to catch up one-on-one with each other for this special “Behind the Counter” episode. Joann opens up about her not so great day at work, leading to an in-depth discussion on Joann’s corporate life vs. Jaeki’s business owner/freelance life and negotiating the pay and rates you are owed. The main takeaway is: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and deserve. Know your worth! Listen to get insight into how our hosts secure their bag(s).  Let us know what you feel about this episode. Give us a rating in Apple Podcasts. If enough listeners vibe with this episode, we are ready and able to do similar ones in the future. Peace. Peace _____ Thank you to all the fans that have supported us! Listen to us on all major streaming platforms and make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Follow the podcast @699PERPOUND on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter If you're listening don’t be afraid to take a screenshot and post on your IG story. Tag us and we will shout you

Jaeki says... “Yo, Chops is a legend. His work with the Mountain Brothers—notably, “Galaxies” and “Paper Chase”—wasn’t good Asian-American music, but great hip-hop records period. In addition, he’s done records with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Bun B, and even me, Jaeki, for his compilation project Strength in Numbers. Lately, he’s been scoring TV shows like The Warriors, written by Bruce Lee. But you should do the Kumon on his discography. The man’s done a lot. He’s a man of few words, but one of the reasons why so many AZNs can make a living off hip-hop in 2019. It was a pleasure and honor to have Chops as our inaugural guest for our soon-to-be-more-frequent live podcast segment. Tune in to hear ‘bout the OG’s journey in the music business and methods on how to be a ‘working’ producer.” Thank you to the Museum in Chinese in America (MOCA) for being gracious hosts. Make sure to check them out to get a history lesson or attend more events.  Website: https://www.mocanyc.org/ Instagram & Twitter

Jaeki Says... Shomi didn’t start his professional career as a filmmaker, but he always had the foresight on what’s to come. Hailing from Virginia Beach and obsessed with hip-hop culture, it was fate he connected with Pharrell’s Star Trak imprint. He utilized his web-savvy early on, building websites and customizing MySpace pages for Star Trak artists. Then, when tasked to capture behind the scenes footage for a Clipse music video shoot with Kanye West, he quickly grasped the importance of video and taught himself editing and production. After several stints with various media companies (Karmaloop, Fader), he’s now an established music video director with his own production house (Illusive Media) working with ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, Jaden Smith, and even world-class names like Will Smith and Mariah Carey. Tune in to find out his path to independent success as a commercial filmmaker. Follow him @shomipatwary on IG & Twitter His production company:  Illusive Media: http://www.illusivemedia.com/ Shomi's

Jaeki says… “For the upcoming Wu-Tang: An American Saga series on Hulu, Elijah plays Divine, the older brother of the crew’s leader RZA. For those familiar with the Staten Island collective’s history, Divine was the business mastermind that led the group’s financial success. Upon hearing Elijah’s origin story, I was convinced he’s destined to play this role. His mother’s from Staten Island and he grew up studying the teachings of Nation of Islam, which directly influenced Five-Percent Nation, an Islamic movement that laid the ideological foundation of Wu-Tang Clan. Thus, completing the cypher.  While it’s clear this role will take Elijah’s career to the next chapter, it didn’t happen overnight. He’s been active in theater, notably playing supporting role for Bryan Cranston-starred Network. I’m certain in due time he’ll become a household name. Tune in to learn ‘bout his upcoming Wu-Tang role and the journey that took him here. Bong!” Follow him on Instagram @julianelijahmartinez & Twitter @julianelij

Joann Says... Kimmy Yam is one of the most exciting voices reporting on Asian America right now. She is the Asian Voices Editor at Huffpost, covering issues that disproportionately affect the Asian-American community. She is a self-proclaimed data nerd who uses her fact-checking powers to give nuanced reporting on topics from poverty, immigration, media representation, and more. On this episode, Kimmy talks about her no BS Fujianese upbringing, her journey to finding her identity, and the trials and tribulations of being a female journalist and how she deals with the toxicity of the internet.  Follow her amazing reporting here: Huffpost Asian Voices: https://www.huffpost.com/voices/asian-voices and keep up with her biting wit and devilish good looks here ;) #girlcrush Instagram: @kimmythepooh Twitter: @kimmythepooh Huge shout-out to all the fans that have supported us! Follow the podcast @699PERPOUND on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter for the latest. Listen to us on your favorite streaming platforms

Jaeki says... "Sam Han is one of the most knowledgeable human beings I know personally. An expert in all things cultural, new media, religion, U.S. and East Asia. He’s a 1.5-generation immigrant like myself, who survived in the turbulent boroughs of New York. His brilliant mind got himself admitted to the prestigious Prep for Prep program, which positioned his quest to become a scholar. Now based in Perth, Australia, he came home for a hot second to drop some serious jewels on $6.99 Per Pound.  If you’re expecting a square academic waxing poetic ‘bout theories that only his square academic colleagues would care, this episode isn’t it. It’s much more action packed, filled with wild references than you can fathom. Aight, tune in.” Follow his work at: http://sam-han.org/ Twitter @sam_han His Recent Publications:  “Wear White: The mediated politics of religious anti-LGBT activism in Singapore” Nordic Journal of Religion and Society. 31(1): 2018.   Religion and Media inKorea. Journal of KoreanReligions. 8(2): 20

Michael Says… This week we bring you a special collaboration with the illustrious First Gen Burden Podcast. Jaeki and Joann sit down with host Rich Tu and break bread on the good and bad of growing up in immigrant families and how that manifests in their careers in the creative world. Learn about how Rich worked his way through SVA night school eventually rising to design sneakers for Nike and becoming the VP of Digital Design at Viacom.  Also, get the inside scoop on Jaeki and Joann’s upbringing moving from South Korea to LA  and New York respectively. We go international with this edition so make sure you listen and give us a review.  _____ Listen to episodes of First Gen Burden Podcast Website: https://firstgenburden.com/ Follow on IG @Firstgenburden Stream it on - Apple Podcast | Spotify | SoundCloud See Rich Tu's works at  Website: https://richtu.com/  & IG @Rich_tu Check out AIGNY https://aigany.org/ where Rich is a board member.  If you feel like watching TV make sure

Jaeki says: "G2 has a presence. Flailing his locs and speaking in his signature raspy voice, I first met the hospitable Texan in Seoul, as he was carving a name for himself as a new rap upstart. After joining South Korea’s most respected indie rap imprint, Hi-Lite Records, he appeared on the popular rap reality competition, Show Me the Money, which made him a household name. From Dallas to Seoul, the Korean-American painter turned rapper is now gearing up for his second full-length album. During his recent trip to New York City, the $6.99 team brought him to our chamber and broke bread (and Tequila). Young rappers, especially. Tune in.” Follow him @G2slife Check his music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music | Spotify | SoundCloud   Make sure to listen to his latest album:  Throwing Up Butterflies Apple Spotify Shout out to Hi-Life Records representing South Korea's finest Check them out @hiliterecords on Youtube,  Twitter and Facebook Check out, Show Me the Money 5, ft. our guest, G2 ______

Jaeki Says… “Since the term “banana” is used to describe someone who’s white inside and yellow outside (like Twinkie), at first I had questions about Banana Magazine. Then I read the first print issue and saw the publication’s continuous growth, I felt both camaraderie and appreciation for their effort to redefine narratives surrounding Asian-American identity. It’s a mission for $6.99 Per Pound to support and commemorate the release of their latest issue 005, we’re highlighting the founders Vicki Ho and Kathleen Tso on this latest episode. Hear them break down the origins of the magazine, Asian American weed culture, and Taiwanese Drag Culture. Of course, it’s also a flair signal to inform the launch party taking place at Alumni Flushing on Saturday, June 8th. Listen, react, and cop the latest Banana Mag issue available now, link bio.” ___________ Support the vision and purchase Issue 005 http://www.banana-mag.com/shop/5bx69ou27ww06q0oki5ljynnwyv9px Make sure you and your crew come through this Saturday, Jun

Jaeki says... Julie Young is an older sister figure to many. A Korean adoptee raised in an Italian-Irish household, married to an African-American husband and a mother of mixed-race children, her multicultural upbringing clearly had an influence on her worldly views, especially her mission and drive to provide opportunities for POCs in art, music, and film. A corporate attorney with a passion for storytelling, I first met Julie through her interview series Not Your Average hosted on the non-profit platform Korean American Story. Her passion for fairer representation in media led to the creation of TIDE, a Brooklyn-based film festival celebrating filmmakers of color. She’s shown me and my colleagues immense support with advice pertaining to law, life, and love. Her greatest achievement, I’d humbly argue, is believing in Jaeki and helping to manifest $6.99 Per Pound podcast into existence. On that note, say no more. This episode’s ‘bout Ms. Julie Young.” Find her on Instagram @biggirlvoice  Follow her non-

Jojo says... “This week on $6.99 we have the lovely Palak Vani, an author, anxiety coach and entrepreneur. In this episode, Palak tells us about her passion for mental health advocacy and how she paved her way into an unconventional career as an anxiety coach. As someone who has battled with anxiety, it was so refreshing to hear Palak’s approach, and how her experience with dealing with her own condition led to her coaching career and ultimately her book, Vlnrbl. If you’ve had questions around therapy and felt lost on where to start in dealing with anxiety and stress, give this episode a listen!” Visit her website https://www.palakvani.com/ You can buy her book “Vlnrbl” on Amazon and find her @palakvani on IG!  ____ Follow the podcast @699PERPOUND on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter for the latest. Listen to us on your favorite streaming platforms. Leave a review. Shout us out on the street, post a screenshot to your IG story, and share us on your group messages! Make sure you hit the subscribe button