What happens when you dedicate your life to an art form—and the world around you changes faster than your dreams can keep up?

In Part 2 on #OldAsianLady, we reunite with Jean-Jacques Chen, an animator whose career has spanned continents, mediums, and evolving technologies. From his early days obsessing over Dragon Ball and sketching every stroke by hand, to becoming a versatile creator working in MVs, film, and even video games, JJ shares what it really takes to build—and rebuild—a creative life.

JJ dives into:

- The grueling yet transformative years at La Cambre in Belgium

- Why he chose 2D over 3D animation

- How Princess Mononoke and Chinese ink painting shaped his visual identity

- Watching Taiwan’s 2D animation scene fade as 3D rose to dominance

- What Taiwan can learn from Japan & Korea when it comes to building cultural soft power.

"Before we know, we don’t know. And that’s where everyone starts."

In Part 1 of this deeply personal #OldAsianLady interview, Jean-Jacques Chen—a French-born, Belgian-raised, Taiwanese shares his own creative journey balancing Western individualism with Eastern expectations.

From the streets of Brussels to the mountains of Taiwan, JJ opens up about:

- How early interest in cartoons & drawing lead to animation

- Dealing with the tolls of family expectation & obligation

- Grappling with failure, identity, loneliness, and self worth

- How Martial Arts Philosophy plays a role in his well being

In Part 2 of our thought provoking conversation, #OldAsianLady welcomes back Karen Chung—retired professor at National Taiwan University (NTU), linguist, polyglot, and developer of EarBug. After 30+ years in Taiwan’s top academic institution, Karen reflects on her legacy, the gaps in English Language education, and the Echo Method she believes can fix Taiwan’s listening and pronunciation struggles.

Karen shares:

- Insights into cross-linguistic learning from Chinese to English

- Her legacy at NTU and the importance of deep listening in life and communication

- The creation of her app Earbug, a phonetic training tool based on years of teaching experience

- Why pronunciation matters for connection, comprehension, and confidence

- Her views on Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 policy & systemic gaps in English education

From policy critique to practical advice, Karen's words are a masterclass in mindful language use and the power of human connection through sound.

In this compelling episode of #OldAsianLady, we sit down with Karen Chung, a linguist and retired NTU professor whose life is a testament to the quiet, profound transformation that comes with staying—staying in a place, in a culture, and in the uncertainty of one's own evolving identity.Originally from the U.S., Karen arrived in Taiwan over 4 decades ago and found a home. She has woven herself into the fabric of a country that, in many ways, grew alongside her.

Karen opens up about:

- Early love of languages and how Chinese became hers

- Academic journey from the US to a beloved professor in Taiwan

- Family, parenting, and identity shifts across cultures

- Mental and emotional shifts that come with solo living & aging abroad

Whether you're an expat, a language enthusiast, a solo traveler, or simply someone searching for deeper meaning in the ways we connect with places and people—Karen's story is a reminder that belonging is not about where you start, but about where you choose to stay.

Today’s #OldAsianLady guest is Antonella Gismundi, an Italian data analyst with a fascinating background in linguistics & psychology, now thriving in Taiwan!

She shares:

- How a six-month adventure in Taiwan turned into 16 years of discovery and lifelong learning.

- Culture shock starting from her shoes melting in the heat.

- How speaking Italian, English, or Mandarin influences her personality in different ways.- Discovering face blindness as an adult impacted her life, career, and relationships.

- Tips and tricks she uses to navigate life without facial recognition

😲Imagine not recognizing your own mother at the airport or struggling to recognize yourself in a photo!

In this episode of #OldAsianLady, a Canadian with a multifaceted career opens up about his bold move to Taiwan in 1999. His experiences as a journalist, broadcaster, teacher, writer, and voice over artist. Now after 26 years, Brian is moving his cross cultural family back to his home country reflecting on the uncertainties of returning to a familiar yet changed landscape.

Join us as we explore the emotional, cultural, and practical aspects of relocation—a journey filled with nostalgia, decision-making, and new beginnings.

In this episode of #OldAsianLady, Sandra opens up about her years working in the Middle East, facing racial prejudice, managing her cross-continental business and what happens when your personality doesn’t match your culture’s expectations. She shares the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.

- When being “too outspoken” feels like a cultural misfit - Facing racial bias and finding resilience

- The personal trauma that led her back to Taiwan

- How her beliefs shape her views on love, marriage, and personal growth

💡 “In Taiwan, I’m too loud. But abroad, my voice helped me grow.”

In this episode of #OldAsianLady Michelle reflects on her evolution as a Teacher, Obsessive Creative, Wife & Mother embracing the messy beauty of growth, change, and life’s infinite possibilities all while navigating life in Taiwan.

Michelle shares:

- The Dance of Balancing Marriage, Parenting and Personal Pursuits

- Joys and Struggles of Being an Intercultural Family in Taiwan

- Finding Artistic Flow and Fulfillment Across Multiple Mediums

- Staying Endlessly Curious and Pourquoi Pas?