Claim OwnershipWhere Are You From? A TCK Podcast
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© Michael Sullivan
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Mike Sullivan invites the world to take a peek into the lives of TCK's (Third Culture Kids), and other global nomads. TCK's aren't kids, but grown adults that have had their formative years coming from one culture, but lived in another. Being entertained and inspired, as Mike invites a kaleidoscope of guests to open up about their experiences living among worlds. Be entertained and inspired by what they share. Hopefully it will spur you on to do more to reach out to others within your reach that grew up differently than you.
77 Episodes
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Lue joins Abi, B and my cohost Rachel from Episode 13 to talk about how their families made it to the USA. Lue, absent from last episode due to a tranportation mishap, (3:00) talks about his parent's journey to the US as Mong refugees. Abi then shares how her widowed mother and 4 kids crossed the southern border (8:00) and forged their lives into the American dream, while Abi born in the US lived with different expectations from them (13:00). B then reveals that her family came over through the immigration lottery system (17:00). Finally, the conversation takes a somewhat downhill and awkward turn to the good ol' toilet, one of my favorite subjects (24:00).
If you like to contact me for any reason, my information is here: https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
If you are interested in getting in on my first publication feel free to sign up and read the first chapter here: https://sullyworks.com/
In the second half, Mike gets into some juicy topics in and around Dr. Rachel Cason's book, Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid therapist. Rachel first answers the question (2:30) of whether or not TCK's are less racist. Rachel talks about the necessary process of "de-othering" (8:00), and they each trade stories (9:20) of the power dynamics involved in being white and privileged in a foreign country. We then get into language imperialism (11:40). Mike asks questions from the perspective of being an English educator. Then they trade emotional stories (13:20) of their losses linguistically from the countries in which they grew up. Rachel comments about the unintended shame associated with using a native tongue (16:30), and what it means regarding the identity of a child then growing up. Rachel then discusses how best to read her book (21:20). In the final moments Rachel shares her final advice, that prompts a question from Mike regarding the ol' legacy issue that kids have following in the footsteps of their parents. Her response is phenomenal.
Rachel's Website
https://www.explorelifestory.com/
Her book!
https://www.explorelifestory.com/book/
Connect with Mike Sullivan
https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
Mike interviews Dr. Rachel Cason about her new book, Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid Therapist. She expertly navigates (4:20) the land mine of the 'ridiculous question' (Where are You From?). She talks (5:30) about what brought her to become a TCK therapist in the first place. They then get into (8:15) her book. They discuss (10:00) what her definition of a TCK is. They talk about (13:35) how important it is to have courage to look at our story as a whole and tell others about it. Mike has her break down a few of his favorite chapters. First, 'the doldrums' (17:20) and how frightening it often is for TCK's to NOT experience change. Then they get into (25:05) the chameleon skill TCK's are so often accused of having, and its implications (27:45) it has on Mike up and coming book. Then, in closing, Mike reflects (33:33) on what was discussed and implores other TCK's to go out and read her book. He summarizes (34:55) the bonus material coming up from the same interview on a future episode! Stay tuned!
Dr. Rachel Cason's website:
https://www.explorelifestory.com/
Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts from a Third Culture Kid Therapist
https://www.explorelifestory.com/book/
https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Lives-Courage-Live-Them-ebook/dp/B0C2XTWKQX?ref_=ast_author_dp
Connect with Mike the Host of 'Where are You From?'
https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
Mike apologizes for being late (2:00) with the 18th episode, but glad to be on vacation and getting reacquainted with his parents, and his sister's family at the beach in Kitty Hawk, N. Carolina. He admits to being homesick, not for his passport country or the country he grew up in, but another (3:15). He talks briefly (6:00) about his quiet walks around Washington, D.C. while attending a conference and his discoveries, thoughts, and emotions it conjured up. He musses over (10:00) what the future may hold for him and his family after his new 10 month fellowship in Türkiye is finished, and finally winds things up (13:15) with announcements about his book and what the futures with the podcast.
My book details can be found here - https://sullyworks.com/
General contact information is here - https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
Asim talks with Mike about his journey as a father of two sons with Autism. Mike reminds everyone what a TCK is (2:00), and then quickly gets into Asim's story. He first talks (4:00) about emigrating to Canada and his fortunate timing in the dot.com era as an entrepreneur. Then he gets into the story of his sons (7:00) and first discovering his eldest was severely autistic. (13:00) He talks about the stages he and his wife went through with each of their kids. He reveals the unexpected and wonderful turn (14:00) life takes as they try to figure out what their first son is good at. He shares (21:25) what the keys are to working with someone with autism, and (23:00) how it takes the whole family to make it happen. His final thoughts (27:00) are on the societal hypocrisy we often see with mental disabilities and the need for change.
Asim Kaliq - LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asim-khaliq/
Media Highlights
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/high-school-autism-artist-painting-prodigy-1.6736163
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2168937027708
Mike Sullivan's Contact Info
https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
1Mike is back in the Philippines reunited with his wife Jen and his kids + a super granddaughter. He talks (3:00) about the Philippines becoming home, but can't help mentioning (4:30) his book one more time. He admits he loves the country so much (5:40), and tells us the reasons (6:50) he wants to stay. Then (8:00), he records an inprompt conversation with the love of his life. He asks how things have been different since he's been back. Jen shares (10:00) surprisingly what she's learned listening to her husband's podcasts. She then talks (12:30) about her hopes and dreams and then asks Mike about his future (16:40) and what he would tell his 20 year old self. Finally they both discuss (18:00) EQ and what a journey it has been to learn to have more of it.
If you are in the Visayas region and are looking for the best event host around, please contact Jen Sullivan and book her early, because she is difficult to book. Her contact information is below:
https://www.facebook.com/jen.sullivan2
Also, don't hesitate to find out more about my book launch. Early Birds get the worm!! Exclusive offers go to those that sign up.
https://sullyworks.com/
Sabrina is a Lebanese TCK designing the cover of my book (3:18), publishing later this year. We start off by talking about her quintessential name (2:00). She answers the ridiculous question (4:15), having been born in New Jersey in the US, moved to Romania and Lebanon, and then back to the US to finish her studies. We move on to clear up (9:30) any misunderstanding people may have about Lebanon, a beautiful country full of beaches, mountains, award winning cuisine and determined young people .. not deserts or hostage takers. We continue our stereo-type busting affair by discussing Arab Muslim women (15:07) and women's rights (18:40). Men should especially listen to her caution them when they talk about the issue (19:55). An avid reader, Sabrina gives a helpful tip from Ekhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" (22:57), and finally we make sure everyone knows where to find her (28:00) if they have brand design needs in the future.
You can find Sabrina in the following locations:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinaawdi/
https://linktr.ee/sabrinaawdi
https://www.tiktok.com/@sabrinaawdidesign
https://www.instagram.com/sabrinaawdidesign/
My boooook!! Haha -- Read the First Chapter and More!
https://sullyworks.com/
The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808
Mike interviews educator and entrepreneur Benjamin Burg. Mike opens with a long-winded story (3:14) about how he met Ben, while at the same time providing some free advertizing (6:30 to his crowdfunding consultant, Lisa Ferland. Of course he mentions his book (6:50) one more time and his impending launch on Kickstarter. In the interview, Ben talks (8:23) about his progressive education and stint with Green Peace. He then tells us (12:23) how he ended up in Poland. The story takes a wonderfully personal turn (13:40) as he gets reacquainted with extended family in the process of joining the Peace Corp. In the last part (17:39), Ben shares about his conversion from 'teacher' to educator, and what he is currently doing with World Class Scholars (20:20) and his initiative The Open House for Peace & Understanding (21:22). Most importantly, he mentioneds (22:38) how you can help.
The Open House for Peace & Understanding can be found here: https://www.tripsbeyondtheclassroom.com/
World Class Scholars - https://worldclassscholars.org/
Aspiring indie author's should give Lisa Ferland a ring @
https://lisaferland.com/
My boooook! You can read the first chapter and sign up to get access to valuable rewards when I launch on Kickstarter. https://sullyworks.com/
What in the world is Kickstarter? https://www.kickstarter.com/
Tanya Menon's Ted Talk Video
https://www.ted.com/talks/tanya_menon_the_secret_to_great_opportunities_the_person_you_haven_t_met_yet
The first half is a 'get-to-know-you' part where (5:25) Mike shares memories of how he first met B and Abi. Rachael is then formally introduced (15:25) and talks about not being a TCK and how she first met Mike. It is in this part of the conversation, Mike admits to an odd phobia and how Rachel became part of the cure. B and Abi then answer the 'ridiculous' question (18:19) 'Where are you from?'. We try to answer the confusing question (20:00) of who is considered a 'first generation' immigrant. Rachel stimulates the conversation with two great questions, leading to discussion about (20:35) their history learning the English language, and finally (25:27) B is asked to compare moving to America as a teenager to moving to Korea as an adult.
Please! Reach out if you can spare a moment. I'd love to hear from you! You can find me on any of these platforms. https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
My book! Right. Don't forget its impending launch in the near future. You can follow AND read the opening chapter here on my website. https://sullyworks.com/
If you are in Korea and curious or fell in love with the sound of Rachel's melodic southern accent and want to meet her, here is the website of the church we are talking about. Feel free to visit. https://knuenglishchurch.org/
As always. I super appreciate you all for peeking in on my rich life as a TCK.
Be Patient. Juuust Listen. (5:00) Mike talks about Don't Ask Don't Tell policies in the Navy while he was serving. (7:00) He then describes the impact his wife has had on his views on the gay community. (10:00) Mike shares a story of regret that reveals how he now approaches the often triggering topic of sexual orientation and everything involved. (13:30) Of course, there has to be at least one rant that goes off topic a bit but does come back around to pin down why Mike is compelled to write his story in a book (18:22) and title it Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World. (18:30) He has words of advice for Christians, the gay community, leftwing virtue signalers, and homophobes. (20:00) His final word brings back his personal TCK experience and how it has helped him empathize with those that are different than him.
Sign up this week to help me with my cover!! Get updates about my book here:
https://sullyworks.com
Article for Christian I wrote about Lia Thomas here:
https://sullyworks.com/2022/03/lia-thomas
Ntšali and I talk about her journey from Lesotho, a tiny independent country in the middle of South Africa and the implications of her cross-cultural experience starting in a largely white Anglican all girls school. We talk about the blessings and curses coming from that experience. She has some very powerful comments to say about her faith and race. I end the podcast by commenting on the impact she and other racially black women have had on my life.
My book! Support the effort can be found on my website at https://sullyworks.com/
Yoshito tells us a bit about himself and then delves into the unfair expectations of being bilingual. He describes his graphic novel In Search of the Lost Words and how it helps motivate children to find their identity and learn to read and write in their weaker language. He has extremely valuable advice to parents with multilingual kids and how they should be treated and what direction to take their language education, especially writing.
Yoshito's effort In Search of the Lost Words is here.
His LinkedIn Profile is here.
My book effort Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World? .. starts here.
Mike dives in for another solo round. He first talks about the very exciting line up of interviews coming up on the podcast. He then jumps into talking about celebrities that we might have missed, by talking about two very important events in his life that have helped shape his views on the world. He then makes a final announcement of a possible guest who has an important voice in the TCK universe.
Find out about Mike's book launch here.
Yoshito's Bilingual Graphic Novel here.
Biko's Manna IG What's Love Got to Do with it? Tiktok
Rachel Cason: Podcast / Book
Mike solos it this time and talks about the politically hot topic of immigration. He talks about how peope moving from country to country come from all walks of life. He then implores listeners to show a bit of empathy to those searching for a new life or a new home.
Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World
www.sullyworks.com
https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
Monique and I talk about language mastery (2:56) and I make my embarrassing admission despite living in 8 countries. We then discuss the nomadic spirit we have fostered from moving around so much (12:44).
Don't forget to get a free copy of the first chapter of my book, Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World?
You are then eligible for early access rewards when my Kickstarter Campaign kicksoff. Stay tuned for that. Look at this as a great example of what a campaign looks like.
In the second part of our double header, Gustavo discusses the drawbacks of being a TCK. He provides us with one more beautiful analogy with colors to describe the feeling TCK's often have and their struggle to find belonging and identity.
Gustavo:
IG: @gustavosantamaria89
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavosantamaria/
My Book Chapter:
https://sullyworks.com/
Gustavo talks about his upbringing and move to the United States from Ecuador, and then he provides a beautiful description of how that changed his perception of others from different backgrounds. Listen in on his story and his beautiful analogies regarding the unique perspective TCK's can have on others.
sullyworks.com
sullyworks.com/podcast
Mike talks about his time in Türkiye and the impact the earthquake had on his life. He then pivots to talk about TCK's and their relationship building habits.
Move the conversation further by discussing the podcast on any platform. Mike can be found at the following places: https://linktr.ee/sullyworks
He'd be glad to hear from you!
This is the first episode of the podcast where Mike Sullivan, the host breaks down what a TCK is for those that don't know. He then goes on to attempt to answer the question posed in the Podcast title .. "Where are you from?" He also summarizes where life has taken him, and encourages listeners to come back each week to learn more about TCK's and their experiences through their stories.
In this part of the conversation, Chika discusses her shift from mainstream journalism to founding Zikora Media and Arts, an organization aimed at presenting complex, authentic African narratives. Motivated by a desire to move beyond the stereotypical portrayals often found in traditional media, Chika established Zikora as both a media production company and cultural institution. Its projects, such as Diaspora Magazine, offer Africans living abroad a platform to share personal stories on diverse themes, from facing racism to preserving cultural identity. Chika supports contributors throughout the writing process, helping them shape these narratives with an emphasis on the full human experience, both struggles and joys.
Mike, inspired by Chika’s work, expresses his own vision for a project focused on the Pacific Islands. His aim is to build a platform that fosters deeper understanding of the region's unique post-colonial realities and cultural resilience. Both Chika and Mike acknowledge that colonial history cannot be separated from present-day narratives; rather, they seek to explore this complex legacy with nuance. Their projects reflect a form of cultural entrepreneurship that amplifies local voices and honors the intricate connections between historical influences and current identities in Africa and the Pacific.
Intriqued by Chika's work? Find out more here: https://www.zikoramedia.com/
Interested in what else Mike is up to? Find it here: https://sullyworks.com/
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