As we march (crawl?) toward the end of 2020, David subjects his dad to the same treatment Eugene has long suffered -- impossible, open ended questions about society and change. Fortunately, dad's wise enough to provide some coherent answers. We also look ahead to President elect Biden's administration, and David asks his dad a childhood question that's been bugging him for years.
Thank you everyone for listening! This will be our last episode of the calendar year. We'll be back in mid-January. Happy New Year and see you in 2021!
Music:
MusicByAden - Aural Nights
RYYZN - Trust Me
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Some roads aren't meant to be traveled alone." - Chinese proverb
I don't know about you, but I spent election night binge watching Star Trek: Discovery while every now and then frantically checking the results. (Side note: All "election tickers" must die.) In this special episode, David and Eugene are joined by their dad to discuss the presidential election. David talks about why he is very, very disappointed but nevertheless retains some glimmers of hope, Eugene questions what he knows or thinks he knows about the Republican party, while dad provides very much needed wisdom and perspective. Stay safe, Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for listening!
Music:
Atch - First Light
Music by Arden - Aural Nights
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Culture clash is terrific drama." - Ken Follett
Christina Ray Stanton was among the first wave of Americans to get COVID-19, back in March of 2020. Over the next few weeks, she fought for her life from a hospital bed in Florida, hundreds of miles from home.
It's been a while since I've interviewed an author, but in today's episode, I spoke with Christina about her experience being hospitalized by the coronavirus, as well as the tension between straddling different political circles, and how she manages to keep her Facebook friends! As always, thanks for listening!
(Note: This episode was recorded prior to the presidential election.)
Faith in the Face of COVID-19: A Survivor's Tale - https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Face-COVID-19-Survivors-Tale/dp/1733745238/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1605030621&sr=8-1https://christinaraystanton.com/books
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"As I climbed into the car, I suddenly had a flash of how drastically my life had changed in a few short weeks. In fact, it seemed like the whole world had changed in less than a month." - Christina Ray Stanton
In case you haven’t gotten enough of Eugene and David talking props, this bonus episode is for you. We go through the remaining 2020 California propositions, lightning round style. From cash bail to property tax to data privacy, we’ve got you covered. We hope you’ve found our voting advice helpful and of course as always thanks for listening!
My 2020 California Propositions Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16WyQbbwKfZWrMWhQtEaeGZpIcYsz3bATGGvOTg7spTQ/edit?usp=sharing
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.” - Nanette L. Avery
In a year of blockbuster propositions, Prop 22 is “the big one.” Latest polls show it's in a dead heat. Uber, Lyft, and Doordash have spent close to $200 million convincing you to vote yes, and the San Francisco Chronicle has endorsed prop 22 while the LA Times says no. Eugene and David debate prop 22, the rights of Uber drivers, and the gig economy. We also discuss Prop 21, and rent control, and Eugene “solves housing” for us. :) As always, thanks for listening!
My 2020 California Propositions Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16WyQbbwKfZWrMWhQtEaeGZpIcYsz3bATGGvOTg7spTQ/edit?usp=sharing
Music:
Babasmas - City Lights
Monsta X - Newton
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“They are working to trick the public into voting in favor of this. And they’re getting traction.” - Prof. Veena Dubal, UC Hastings
Thank you everyone for the feedback on my 2020 California Propositions Guide! You can find the guide in the link below. In today's episode, Eugene and I focus on Prop 16, and the looming issue of affirmative action.
As someone who was once staunchly anti-affirmative action, I talk about my journey and why I'm now a proponent. We also discuss how Asian Americans are uniquely situated in the affirmative action debate, and what that means for us. As always, thank you for listening!
My 2020 California Propositions Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16WyQbbwKfZWrMWhQtEaeGZpIcYsz3bATGGvOTg7spTQ/edit?usp=sharing
Evan Low's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP4LieEaoJ4
Music:
Vendredi - We Were Young
Sarah Jansen - Far Away
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"This conversation is about power, it's about race and the loss of power or the perceived loss of power. And frankly, the fear of sharing power ... This is 2020 and let us not get into this fallacy that this is about a zero-sum narrative and one's gain is another's loss. But this is about how we can recognize that an injustice to one, is an injustice to all." - State Assemblyman Evan Low
If you don't know much about the movie Greyhound, you're not alone. This Hollywood blockbuster, written by and starring Tom Hanks, was an early casualty of COVID-19, and eventually landed on Apple TV+ this summer. When Hanks heard the movie wouldn't be playing in theaters he said he it was “An absolute heartbreak.”
Fortunately for us, our friend Rob Koh is back with us to break it all down. In addition to being an Ironman triathlete, Rob served as a U.S. Naval officer and spent time in active duty in a U.S. submarine. Rob tells us what he thought of the film, and how it compared with his real life experience in service. Co-host Eugene also weighs in on why Tom Hanks's movie characters are the heroes we need. Thank you Rob and Eugene for coming on the show, and thank you everyone for listening!
Music:
First Crossing & But At What Cost? - Blake Neely
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path." - Captain Krause (quoting Proverbs 3:5)
After a restful summer, I can't think of a better way to start off the new season than with a reunion! Long time listeners will remember experienced Ironman triathletes Rob Koh and Sam Chung. Both Sam and Rob were training for Ironman races when COVID-19 hit the U.S. in early March. In today's episode, they recount both the general chaos and confusion of those early days and how it impacted their training, as well as how their triathlon community adjusted to the new realities of the pandemic and their experience with "virtual" racing. Along they way, they also make a solid effort to recruit co-host Eugene Chang into the sport!
Thank you Sam and Rob for once again coming on the podcast (for what's now looking like a series!). Thank you Eugene as always for your co-hosting presence. And thank you everyone for listening!
Update / Spoiler alert: After we recorded this episode, Sam got his bike back! :)
Music:
tubebackr - District 19
Babasmas - City Lights
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Just keep swimming..." - Dory
If there's one major difference between Eugene and David, it's that one of us is extremely handy and the other is not. Eugene grew up watching shows like This Old House and New Yankee Workshop, while David ... let's just say for him putting together an Ikea end table is an accomplishment!
In this episode, Eugene provides insight on how to get better at handiness and repair, while David shares some of his coping mechanisms for quelling his fear of drill bits and instruction manuals . As always, we hope you are safe and thank you for listening! :)
Music:
tubebackr - District 19
DayFox & BraveLion - Soulmates
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“Measure twice, cut once, then force it to fit.” - Anonymous
What heresy is this? Who doesn't like to complete their to do lists? The sense of accomplishment? The glory?
In this episode, David and Eugene talk about how we stay organized and get stuff done. David asks for help with his problem of chronically losing track of tasks he's supposed to do, while Eugene discusses how he's learned over the years how to develop a routine, and why he sometimes DOESN'T like getting things done. Thanks for listening! :)
Be More Productive in 7 Days: https://www.nytimes.com/programs/productivity-challenge
Music:
Declan DP - Spaceship
Babasmas - City Lights
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"I watch a lot of astronaut movies....Mostly Star Wars. And even Han and Chewie use a checklist." - Jon Stewart
From K-dramas to the stars, our journey through television continues. Today, Eugene and David discuss episode one of the newest Star Trek franchise, Picard. Growing up, both of us were fans of The Next Generation, so returning to the world of Jean-Luc Picard feels a little like coming home. We talk through the many twists and turns of the pilot episode (Data's back!), what we liked and didn't like, and give our thoughts on the essence of what makes Star Trek, Star Trek. Live long and prosper, and thanks for listening!
Music:
Walking with Number One - Jeff Russo
End Title - Jeff Russo
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.” - Jean-Luc Picard
It’s happening! Eugene is watching a Korean drama. And not just any, but the smash hit, Crash Landing On You. This show was popular enough even in the United States that there was a lengthy story about it in the Washington Post (link below). In today’s podcast, Eugene and David talk about episode 5 of the show, our likes and dislikes, North Korean culture, and our thoughts about Kdramas in general. Eugene also gives a verdict for what future (if any) K-dramas may have in his television consumption. Crash Landing is currently available on Netflix. As always, thank you for listening!
Music:
Tokyo Music Walker - New Day
10cm - Destiny like a coincidence
"South Korean drama Crash Landing On You offers glimpse of daily life in North Korea”: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/s-korean-drama-offers-glimpse-of-daily-life-in-north-korea
"Amid lockdown binge watching, U.S. viewers savor story that puts a human face on North Korea”: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/south-korea-crash-landing-on-you-defectors-netflix/2020/04/17/d78c761c-7994-11ea-a311-adb1344719a9_story.html
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right direction.” - Yoon Se-Ri
2020 was SUPPOSED to be a big year for flagship phones. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, OnePlus 8 and iPhone 12 are all on tap to be released this year. David and Eugene were also both planning to upgrade their phones this year as well, but COVID-19 has thrown this decision, like most other things, for a loop.
In this episode, we talk about what we ACTUALLY care about in terms of smartphones in terms of functionality, features, and price. And now that we're all at home, we also talk about our favorite streaming services, streaming "strategies," and what we're watching on our devices. Thank you for listening!
Music:
Lonely Beats - When I
Ikson - Coastline
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world's been turning." - Billy Joel
Do you love where you live? Or do you wish you could move? As we all shelter in place, Eugene and I discuss the places we’ve lived, and where we live now. We talk about what we love about our respective areas and things we wished were different.
I’ll be honest, this episode touched a nerve. Specifically, Eugene raises a couple of personally provocative questions in the middle of the episode that got me thinking about about the choices I’ve made about where we call home, and whether those decisions were the right ones. As always, thank you for listening!
Music:
Roa - Steps
J.Fla - High Hopes
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"There's no place like home." - Dorothy
What makes a good leader? Chances are you've worked for both good and bad bosses in the past. What inspires and motivates people to be their best selves?
Now more than ever, the world is looking for strong leaders who can provide comfort, vision, and determination through a time of crisis. Even since Eugene and I recorded this episode, it feels like the world has changed. Wherever you are, we hope you are safe and find meaningful connections amid physical isolation. As always, thank you for listening!
Music:
Roa - Steps
Tubebackr - Circles
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"We’re scared of what we don’t know. There’s only one way to learn and to know and that is to confront that fear." - Jocko Willink
Along with your water bottles, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer (if you can get it!), here are a few modest tools to help you get through the COVID-19 epidemic. As always, thank you for listening!
My reading journey:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
"Florentina Ariza had kept his answer ready for fifty-three years, seven months and eleven days and nights. 'Forever,' he said.” ―
Neither Eugene or David do Crossfit, Ironman, or bodybuilding contests -- although we’ve both run half marathons and at least one of us uses the app for Peloton. In this episode, we talk about our fitness and workout regimen. Eugene gets into the ups and downs of running, David discusses the best gym routine that works for him, and we talk workout tech, gym etiquette, and why David is terrible at running outdoors. Thanks for listening!
Music:
Blazo - Liquid Silver
Re plus - Nighttime
My reading journey: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“I never run with scissors. Actually, those last two words are unnecessary.” – Bill Murray
"Dominant groups do not give up their power easily." That's according to law professor and OG Tiger Mom Amy Chua. I've thought about this statement quite a bit, and I've come to reject this framing of our current state of the world. It's catchy but also panicky and outraged, and makes us feel hopeless and doomed.
I believe there's another way. While dominant groups may not give up power easily, there IS a way to resolve in vs. out-group conflicts peacefully and even (dare I say) "normally." And who couldn't use a strong dose of normal these days?
As always, thank you for listening!
Music:
Ikson - Harmony
Lindecis - Blind
My reading journey: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“In the polarized era, the outcome isn't really about the candidates. What matters is what percentage of the electorate is Democratic and Democratic leaners, and how they get activated.” - Rachel Bitecofer
Here’s a hard truth: One day you may be forgotten. Eugene and David debate why that truth might be tough for some of us to swallow, and why it may be okay not to be remembered. Also in this episode, both David and Eugene were recently triggered watching “dads behaving badly.” We talk about what (respectively) triggered us about dad behavior in the wild. As always, thank you for listening!
My reading journey: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“And know that I'm with you the only way that I can be. So until you're in my arms again, remember me.” – Miguel, Coco
What’s in a name? Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker finally reveals the mystery of Rey’s identity what it means for the Skywalker saga. Eugene and I discuss our thoughts on the movie (spoiler alert!) and the future of SW franchise. Our conversation also spills beyond the screen to how questions of Rey’s identity tie in to the real world. Happy new year everyone and thank you as always for listening!
My reading journey: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34364-david?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_read
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmGsRHNFLGW3CdbXndnnS8CeCmw0qavfTwCuiSzmGEY/edit
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW What Just Happened? on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.
Reach us at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatjusthappenedpodcast
Twitter @davidgchang
whatjustpodcast @ gmail . com
“Rey, never be afraid of who you are.” – Leia