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New TFALEpisode 76 (33) – When Filipino Pride Goes Wrong…
Most of us have some ounce of Filipino pride. “Successes” by other Filipinos such as Bruno Mars, Jordan Clarkson, and Catriona Gray become “successes” for us. Because Filipinos are...
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New TFAL
Episode 75 (32.5) – Pinoy Basements: A Conversation with Filipino American Actor Eugene Cordero
You might recognize Eugene Cordero from roles in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Wrecked, or the film The Mule. The TFAL crew love him as Pillboi in The Good Place. On this episode...
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New TFAL
Episode 74 (32) – TFAL Live at Cinema Sala: Filipino Films with Marie Jamora
During the holiday season, TFAL was invited by the good folks at Cinema Sala to record a podcast episode live in front of an audience. As a first attempt...
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recent Episodes
This Filipino American Life is a podcast that explores the nuanced experiences of Filipinos in the United States, atbp. We release new episodes every other week. Enjoy all our latest episodes here!
Episode 74 (32) – TFAL Live at Cinema Sala: Filipino Films with Marie Jamora
During the holiday season, TFAL was invited by the good folks at Cinema Sala to record a podcast episode live in front of an audience. As a first attempt at a live show, this mini-episode looks at the handful...
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Episode 73 (31.5) – Reflections on Beauty Pageants and Miss Universe Catriona Gray
Though beauty pageants in the Philippines can be traced back to the celebration of Santacruzan and other religious festivals, modern beauty pageants, emerged out of the Manila Carnival, an annual event during the early 1900s. According to scholar Genevieve...
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Episode 31 – TFAL Goes to SD: Community Organizing w/ DJ Kuttin Kandi, Kirin Macapugay, and Ree Obana; Filipino American Apparel w/ Zar Javier of Kampeon Co.
We conclude our San Diego interviews with community organizers DJ Kuttin Kandi, Kirin Macapugay, and Ree Obana. In this discussion we highlight the issues that these womxn currently center their work around. Kirin and Ree give their perspectives...
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Episode 30.5 – TFAL Goes to SD: Filipino American Politics with SD Councilmember Chris Cate; Broadcast Journalism with KGTV Newscaster Melissa Mecija
“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale’s vagina.” – Ron Burgundy Anchorman jokes aside, San Diego has a long history, and Filipinos have been a significant part...
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Episode 30 – Creative Writing w/ Jason Magabo Perez
The pen is mightier than the sword, they say. And in our history, the pen has certainly been very powerful. The Illustrados who started the Propaganda Movement, which included Jose Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, sparked...
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Bonus Episode – A Conversation with Geena Rocero
On this bonus episode the TFAL crew has a conversation with Geena Rocero, the trans activist, model, producer, and founder of GenderProud, her advocacy and production company that is committed to tell trans-focused and trans-specific stories. We learn about...
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recent articles
Enjoy all our latest written articles here!
TFAL meets Kate Gavino
In August our #TFALPodcastBookClub book was Sanpaku by Kate Gavino. Sanpaku is a graphic novel that follows Marcine, a Filipina American growing up in Houston. This coming of age story highlights the insecurities of being a teen growing up in the 1990s, attempts to understand religion, family history, and even pop star Selena. What was...
TFAL City Shirt Series
We’re rounding out Filipino American History Month with NEW MERCH. Rep your city…if you happen to be from LA, SF, CHI, SEA, NY, HNL, SD! Get your City Shirt Here: This Filipino American Life LA – OG LA – DOYERS SF – THE BAY SF – GIGANTES CHI – TORO CITY CHI – BATANG OSO...
The Debut Will Have Its Own “Debut” at the Cinematografo International Film Festival on November 10
You heard right, folks. It’s been 18 years since the release of The Debut, the pioneering Filipino American film by Director Gene Cajayon. To celebrate The Debut’s maturation into adulthood, the Cinematografo International Film Festival will host a special screening of the film with some of the cast and crew in attendance as part of...
TFAL Podcast Merch
MERCHANDISING! MERCHANDISING! MERCHANDISING! Support This Filipino American Life by picking up a t-shirt, women’s t-shirt, women’s v-neck shirt, thank top, long sleeve, and hoodie. We even have onesies for the babies in your life and toddler and youth sizes for the little ones! Head to our store at This Filipino American Life at the good...
McRibbed for Our Pleasure: A Conversation with Xanthe Pajarillo and Jason Barlaan from ‘AIRMEN’
An Interview With AIRMEN’S Xanthe Pajarillo and Jason Barlaan In this guest blog post on This Filipino American Life, Xanthe Pajarillo, the creator of the web series AIRMEN, and Jason Barlaan, AIRMEN’s starring actor, sit down and talk about their new show, life in the military and the film industry, and their experiences of growing...
MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A.
In our conversation with WASI in Episode 22 we let them know that they remind us of M.I.A. WASI’s infectious, dance music with a message fits right in with M.I.A.’s sound. The closing night film for Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A. a documentary by first time filmmaker Stephen Loveridge. Loveridge creates an intimate portrait...
meet the Hosts & crew
We started the TFAL podcast in 2016 as friends who loved sharing perspectives on our personal Filipino American experiences. Get to know more about us and our other projects.
Joseph Bernardo
Joe is a 2nd generation Filipino American born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He currently works at a local university in LA and is involved with various organizations & campaigns that support...
More about Joseph >
Ryan Carpio
Ryan was born in Manila, Philippines and immigrated to the United States when he was 7 years old. He grew up in Los Angeles and currently works for the City of LA. He’s a Loyola High School and UC Berkeley alum. In his free time, he likes to sing, teach, play cards, and laugh.
More about Ryan >
Elaine Dolalas
Elaine is a Historic Filipinotown-based writer, podcaster, and independent curator. She curates Color Your Troubles Away, a monthly arts event that offers stress relief, healing, and meditation through coloring.
More about Elaine >
Michael Nailat
Michael, aka waxstyles, is definitely 100% Filipino American, although his facial hair tends to confuse folks for some reason. Born and raised in Oxnard, educated at UC Irvine and USC, it’s no wonder he ended up becoming a DJ...
More about Michael >
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Featured episodes
Here is a selection of our most popular TFAL episodes. Whether it features a special guest or topic close to our hearts, we know you’ll love these eps. First time listeners start here!
