When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Bryant Lin’s Journey

In this episode, Soon Yu interviews Dr. Bryant Lin, a primary care physician at Stanford, who shares his compelling journey from doctor to patient. The discussion begins with Dr. Lin's professional background, including his pivotal role in founding the Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) and his focus on lung cancer in the Asian community. The irony unfolds as Dr. Lin, who has been advocating for lung cancer research among non-smokers, particularly in the Asian population, is diagnosed with stage four non-small cell lung cancer himself. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Dr. Lin's story is one of resilience and hope. He emphasizes the importance of human connection in medicine, the impact of storytelling, and the role of hope in patient care. Dr. Lin also discusses his ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funding for early-stage lung cancer research and broader health initiatives in the Asian community. This episode is a powerful narrative of facing adversity with purpose, driving change, and finding serendipity in the most challenging circumstances.

03:59 Dr. Lin's Diagnosis Journey
07:35 Challenges in Healthcare Access
13:37 Importance of Screening and Early Detection
26:21 Impact on Dr. Lin's Perspective as a Physician
26:31 The Human Side of Medicine
30:28 The Role of Hope in Medicine
38:13 The Power of Storytelling
43:29 Letters to My Sons
52:17 Future Projects and Legacy

One Mother's Sacrifice Inspires Daughter's Mission to Move Families Forward.

In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Ritu Narayan, the CEO of Zum, a company revolutionizing the school transportation system. Ritu shares her journey from India to becoming a tech leader in Silicon Valley, discusses her family's influence and the challenges she faced while building Zum. The conversation delves into Zum’s transition from serving individual parents to securing large school district contracts, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pivotal moments that shaped the company. Ritu emphasizes the importance of staying passionate and making daily progress for aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode provides insights into scaling a technology-driven business and innovating within a traditionally stagnant industry.

2:24 Ritu's Family Inspiration and Background
4:15 Challenges and Sacrifices in Education and Career
12:29 Transition to the US and Tech Industry
20:19 The Birth of Zum: From Idea to Execution
27:08 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Stanford
31:25 Evaluating the Revenue Model and Lessons from Entrepreneurship
39:40 Pivoting to B2B
51:14 Rock Bottom Moments
57:30 Ritu’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

From Side Hustles to Direct Delivery: Larry Liu’s Journey to Building Weee!

In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Larry Liu, the CEO of Weee!, America's largest online Asian supermarket. Larry delves into his immigrant journey, the early challenges in America, and his relentless hustle from reselling backpacks to launching Weee!. They discuss Larry's initial struggles to secure funding and how, through sheer determination and community support, he pivoted Weee! from a group-buying model to a successful grocery delivery service. Larry's story underscores the importance of resilience, leveraging community networks, and the ability to pivot for entrepreneurial success. His journey is a testament to how recognizing and addressing the fundamental needs of underserved communities can lead to groundbreaking business opportunities.

01:57 Larry Liu Growing up
06:09 His First Side Hustle
08:58 From Friends to Co-Founders
11:36 Coming to the US
17:08 Early Days in Folsom and the Seed of an Idea
32:38 The Birth of Weee!
33:47 Early Challenges and Self-Funding
49:16 The Pivot to Grocery Delivery
59:51 Future Plans and Vision

Geoff Yang, co-founder of Redpoint Ventures : From Building Network Routers to Building a Network of Entrepreneurs, Hip Hop Artists and Olympians

In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, Soon Yu interviews venture capital titan and Redpoint Ventures co-founder Geoff Yang as he shares his extraordinary journey of building influential networks that extend far beyond Silicon Valley. From early bets on game-changing companies like Netflix, Uber, and Snowflake, Geoff's vision has shaped industries. Discover how he's leveraged his leadership as head of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation and forged connections with icons across sports, entertainment, and hip hop. Geoff delves into the leadership principles, resilience, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationships that have defined his success.

3:00 - Immigrant roots: Growing up in a Chinese family with strong educational values.
9:00 - The secret to success: Passion for the journey, not just financial gain.
14:00 - Geoff’s advice for entrepreneurs.
24:00 - The myth of “all or nothing” risk-taking: Why measured risk is key.
29:00 - Blending passions: How Geoff’s love for sports led to leadership roles in skiing, golf, and basketball.
39:00 - Creating Auron: Using science and technology to optimize health and longevity.

Lisa Ling, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist: How Family Sacrifice and a Hunger for Truth Shaped One of America’s Most Fearless Reporters

02:15 – How Connie Chung Inspired Lisa's Career
09:30 – How Childhood Alienation Built Lisa's Deep Empathy
24:10 – Becoming a War Correspondent at 21 Years Old
37:00 – A Crushing Act of Racism Early in Lisa's Career
44:00 – Healing a Broken Relationship with Her Mother
1:04:00 – Leading the Effort to Free Her Sister from North Korea
1:12:00 – Lisa's Mission: Giving a Voice to the Invisible

From Cargo Ship Passenger to Secretary of Transportation: The Trailblazing Legacy of Secretary Elaine Chao

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey—from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets.

With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.

In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman—and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.

In this inspiring episode, Soon sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey - from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.

In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman - and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.

Released in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this episode is a moving tribute to family, perseverance, and the enduring power of the American dream. Packed with wisdom, humor, and hard-won lessons, Secretary Chao's story is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on leadership, legacy, and staying true to your roots.

1:00 Breaking Barriers & Firsts
2:49 The Power of Family & Heritage
5:00 Her Parents’ Love Story & Escape from China
8:17 Life on a Cargo Ship to America
19:40 Her Father Teaching Her English at Night
35:00 Championing the Asian American Museum
38:19 Overcoming Hardship & Public Criticism
44:00 Asian-American Superpower: Listening & Sensitivity
46:35 Meeting Mitch McConnell
52:00 Commemorating the Chinese Railroad Workers