Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Is Buddhism a life path, a philosophy, or a religion? The short answer is, "Yes." The longer answer is, "It depends." Joshua Hill, from the Tiep Hien Zen order shares his own path, and how he helps prisoners, addicts, and mental health patients to detach from the turmoil of a troubled mind and find peace in observing experiences, including suffering, from a quieter place. It's information and a practice we can all use, whatever our beliefs.

Neeta Bhasin tells us about the holiday Diwali.

How Hawaiian cowboys stunned Wyoming.

Speaking with people in different faith traditions about the importance of community in our spiritual life

Guest: Lea Salonga, Tony-Award-Winning Broadway Performer Tony-award winning Broadway star Lea Salonga recently visited BYU as part of the Bravo! Performing Arts Series. Salonga blazed a trail for other Asian women on Broadway as the first actress to perform the lead role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” and the first woman of Asian descent to perform the roles of Eponine and Fantine in “Les Miserables” on Broadway. Her most recent Broadway appearance was in “Allegiance,” which Salonga says was a “show that we as Asian people needed to do. To be able to say, yes, you see Asian faces, but these are Americans on this stage.” Salonga's new album, "Blurred Lines" is out May 5.

Dr. Ravi Gupta is a scholar of Hinduism who talks about whether becoming a scholar of your faith robs you of the joy of simply believing.

The Link between Polynesians and South Americans

Indra Neelameggham shares stories and traditions from her Hindu upbringing.

"Hunger Games" Revolution Symbol Evolves in Real-World Asian Protests

In our series of stories highlighting traditions from all over the world, we take a trip to the tropical islands and countries of the Pacific.

Guest: Chef Mai Pham, owner of Lemon Grass Kitchen, author of “The Best of Vietnamese & Thai Cooking,” “Pleasure of the Vietnamese Table” and “Flavors of Asia” Pham is on a quest to get more Vietnamese and Thai food in American bellies. She’s the force behind a couple of successful restaurants in California and has spun some of her best recipes into ingredients other restaurants can use. That’s why she’s at BYU on this particular day, standing behind vats of boiling water, translucent rice noodles, and aromatic broth, giving Dining Services Executive chef, John McDonald, a quick tutorial on pho. We join her to sample her creation and learn how to incorporate more Southeast Asian cuisine into our own menus.

A local group performs an hour of traditional and contemporary Polynesian music.

Alton Chung is known for his great command of character, among other things. Often drawing from the different parts of his cultural heritage, Alton shares many ancient stories from Japan just like this one. To learn more about Alton Chung visit www.altonchung.com

A well-known and well-loved Japanese folk tale similar to the tradition of Tom Thumb. “Issun Boshi” is translated into English as “One Inch-Boy” or sometimes the “The Inch-High Samurai.” This story is given the standard Bob Reiser treatment and is equal parts humorous and exciting. www.bobtales.com

It's no ordinary pear tree at the center of this old story from China

Marie Solomon shares "Kihapiilani."

Stories about snakes, dragons, and robots

On today’s episode, enjoy the following: Story Kickoff: “Kahn Family Lessons” - PART 1 by Charlie Chin Story Spotlight: “Water of Life” by Motoko Storytime: • “Issunboshi” by Kathy Collins • “Kahn Family Lessons PART 2” by Charlie Chin

Motoko tells a story of her aunt and the struggles she faced as a single mother in an era where that circumstance was highly frowned upon. Learn more about Motoko by visiting: motoko.folktales.net

A mix of stories from Hawaii featuring Jeff Gere, Kathy Collins, Makia Malo and more.

South Asian Stories for Children

A person learns what it takes to see with the same perspective as Buddha.

Who said you needed snow to go sledding?

A Childhood Memory Sparks Exploration of Belonging, Family History and Asian Identity in America

A farmer saves a spider from a snake and is repaid in a very unexpected way. Learn more about Alton Chung by visiting: www.altonchung.com

On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “How Racoon Got His Dinner” PART I by Charlotte Blake-Alston “Tanuki and Usagi” by Alton Chung “The Wolf’s Eyelashes” by Susan Strauss “How Racoon Got His Dinner” PART II by Charlotte Blake-Alston

EXTRA **** The Pheasant's Bell by Alton Chung