Helen Hong

This week, we welcome Helen Hong to the show.

Helen is a versatile comedian, actor and podcast host based in LA.

She opens up about her evolving relationship with her parents, which was somewhat distant as a kid but now during the pandemic has strengthened in profound ways. She shares how she helped her father connect with his past by way of a YouTube channel and a special gift from his childhood.

Helen also talks about the beautiful relationship she has with her sister; from spending time together as kids when their parents worked late hours to now buying a house and living together.

Finally, she highlights the growing anti-Asian hate in the US, how it impacts her family, and how her father tackles it with empathy.

Please take a moment to check out Helen’s recommendations for becoming a better ally at Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Specifically, they are offering FREE BYSTANDER INTERVENTION training for people who witness attacks and want to help.

Also, you gotta check out the YouTube channel “Old Korean Dad Stories (and sometimes Mom)” - those conversations are here.

About the Guest

Helen Hong is an American stand-up comedian, actress, director, and producer.
Born in New York City to immigrant parents, she was born on the east coast and attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

She has appeared in works such as Jane the Virgin, Parks and Recreation, and the Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis. She has a regular spot on NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me and hosts a trivia podcast called Go Fact Yourself. She has also guest-starred in Silicon Valley, New Girl and Pretty Little Liars.

During the pandemic, she started a YouTube channel to connect with her father called “Old Korean Dad Stories (and sometimes Mom),” which highlights his childhood and growing up around the Korean War.

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The Team
This podcast is a production of The Story Producer.
Executive Producer & Host: Tyler Greene
Senior Producer: Tricia Bobeda
Story Editor: Katie Klocksin
Editor & Engineer: Adam Yoffe
Associate Producer: Jackie Ball
Art Director: Ziwu Zhou
Composer: Andrew Edwards
Show Admin: Social Currant

About Us

This Is My Family is an unapologetically full-hearted interview show about building a life with the people we love.

As a gay dad in an interracial marriage, host Tyler Greene’s life is a testament to the fact that there are many ways to define family today. Each week, his conversations with guests reveal funny and heartfelt stories about how you can make a family, and how your family makes you.

Join us for a celebration of the beautifully messy connections that shape our lives.