You Rice Me Up is a podcast about Asian Europeans from all walks of life. It covers their stories and passions, ranging from their cultural identity, music, food and art to dating, careers, and much more. It is for anyone who wants to learn more about the stories, lives and perspectives of Asian Europeans - people you don’t necessarily hear a lot about in the media. Follow @youricemeup.podcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes.
Ba Linh Le: From Berlin’s Vietnamese diaspora to building tech for social impact
Ba Linh Le is the co-founder and Chief Data Officer of Frontline, a startup developing an AI-assisted risk assessment tool to end domestic abuse sooner. Born in Berlin to Vietnamese contract workers, Ba Linh studied Area Studies at Humboldt and Public Policy at the Hertie School. Today, her company’s tool is used by social services across half of Germany. She was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list for the social impact she is making.
In this episode, we talk about:
Growing up German-Vietnamese and navigating language, family, and belonging
Founding Frontline and tackling domestic abuse through tech
The lessons she has learnt and unlearnt along the way
You can learn more about Frontline here (https://www.frontline100.com/) and follow Ba Linh’s work on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ba-linh-le-/).
27 May 2025
Xifan Yang: On navigating culture, media, and politics between Germany and China
Xifan Yang, award-winning journalist, discusses navigating cultural identity between China and Germany, writing about family trauma, and reporting under authoritarian constraints in this interview.
30 Apr 2025
Chunchun Qiu: On her parents’ sacrifices, closing her startup, and intergenerational communication
Chunchun Qiu is a German-Chinese entrepreneur and the former co-founder and CEO of Cyclio, a startup dedicated to helping women manage menstrual pain. After nearly three years of building the company, she and her co-founder made the difficult decision to shut it down.
In this episode, we dive into:
Why she started and closed her venture
How her parents’ sacrifices shaped her ambitions and struggles
The emotional complexity of sharing career pivots with immigrant parents
Intergenerational conflict, unspoken expectations, and learning to set boundaries
You can find Chunchun on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chunchunqiu/).
29 Mar 2025
Mai Anh Nguyen: On her family’s story, a global career in hospitality, and gratitude
Mai Anh Nguyen is a Director of Rooms at Mandarin Oriental and has built an inspiring global career within the luxury hotel group. Born in Germany to Vietnamese parents, Mai grew up in Prague and studied in Switzerland. Her career with Mandarin Oriental has taken her around the world—from Prague to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Munich, Kuala Lumpur, and now Dubai.
Tune in to hear:
Her family’s story from Vietnam to Germany and the Czech Republic
What she has learnt from her career with one of the world’s finest hotel groups
How gratitude and mindfulness have shaped her life and mindset
You can follow her journey on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maianhmajka/) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maianhmajka/).
26 Feb 2025
Kachun To: On shifting perspectives, subtle racism, and redefining Chinese food in Germany
Kachun To is a Hong Kong-born, German-raised entrepreneur who started his career at McKinsey before launching several ventures. His latest project, Bao Gao Club, is more than just a dumpling business—it’s about sharing real Chinese food and fostering cultural understanding in Germany.
In this episode, we explore:
How a prestigious scholarship changed his perspective.
The subtle racism he’s faced in business and everyday life.
Why he transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
How food can be a bridge between cultures and why he wants to redefine Chinese cuisine in Germany.
Tune in to hear his story, and follow him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kachun-to-a5a6721/) or @baogao_club (https://www.instagram.com/baogao_club/) on Instagram for updates on his latest venture.
29 Dec 2024
Kexin Ye: On her family, entrepreneurial origins, and participating in The Apprentice
Kexin Ye is a technology consultant and entrepreneur currently building her startup. Her entrepreneurial journey began early, as she supported her father and younger brother through various jobs and ventures while growing up without a mother. Kex gained international recognition as a participant on The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition, which aired in 2021 and is available on Netflix.
In this episode, we talk about Kex’s experience growing up in Gransee and Berlin, reconnecting with her mother, the origins of her entrepreneurial spirit, and what she learnt participating in The Apprentice: One Championship Edition.
Follow her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kexin-ye/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kexincherie/) for updates on her entrepreneurial journey.
28 Sept 2024
Ronald Metschies: On his German-Filipino-Chinese family culture, grief, and a career in policy
Ronald Metschies is the Project Lead for Promoting Ukraine’s Sustainable Economic Recovery at the GIZ, a prominent German development organisation. After studying Politics and Public Policy in the UK, Germany and Japan, Ron went on to work for the GIZ in Manila, Beijing and now Berlin, advising different government ministries on strategic international projects. Ron grew up in Germany with a German father and a Filipina-Chinese mother.
Tune in to learn more about Ron’s experiences living in Germany and China as a mixed kid, his thoughts on Western vs Asian parenting styles, and why and how he got into the policy space. We also talked about grief, as Ron’s brother and father passed away quite suddenly, just as he was about to start his studies in the UK.
Follow him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-metschies-12259576/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bonjour_ron) for more updates.
25 Jun 2024
Lucy Ha: On her life and experiences as a Czech-Vietnamese multimedia journalist
Lucy Ha is an award-winning Czech-Vietnamese multimedia journalist at Reuters. She studied history at UCL in London and journalism at Columbia University in New York, and has worked for the BBC, CNN, Bloomberg, and Reuters. Lucy stands out as the first Asian European journalist I have met who produces both visual and written work in English.
Tune in to learn more about Lucy’s life and perspectives as an Asian European international journalist. Get a glimpse into the history of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic, and hear her advice for aspiring journalists.
Follow her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-ha-2b7689126/) and Twitter (https://x.com/lucyha102) for more updates.
13 Feb 2024
Philipp Hu: My brother on our childhood and German-Chinese cultural influences
Philipp Hu is my younger brother, and the sibling I probably spent the most time with growing up. He studied business in Mannheim and technology and innovation management in Bath. Phil worked in strategy and data consulting at different companies before becoming a data and analytics governance manager at Loreal in Shanghai. In this episode, we talk about our childhood memories and the way our upbringing has shaped us. You can find him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/philipp_yh/) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-h-b48a55113/).
Tune in to learn more about our German-Chinese cultural influences, how we dealt with the absence of our parents, and get a taste of how we talk to each other behind the scenes.
9 Jan 2024
Dr Sophie Chung: On her Cambodian-Chinese heritage, systemic biases, and notions of success
Dr Sophie Chung is the Austrian born Cambodian Chinese founder and CEO of digital health company Qunomedical (https://www.qunomedical.com/). As one of the most influential women in business in Germany, she has featured in all kinds of media in her role as an entrepreneur. In this episode, we talk about her cultural heritage, drive, systemic biases, and thoughts on success, happiness, and independence. You can find her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drsophiechung/) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophie-chung/).
Tune in to learn more about Sophie's cultural background, where she gets her motivation from, and why her parents fought when they first met.
12 Dec 2023
Linda Do: On embracing her cultural and sexual identity as a queer Czech-Vietnamese
Linda Do is a Czech-Vietnamese business owner who is openly and proudly lesbian. In this episode, we talk about Linda’s upbringing, how she came out to her parents, and the way she thinks about her cultural and sexual identity. Tune in to learn more about Linda’s story, what encouraged her to open up to her parents, and how she came to embrace her identity over time. I hope that it will encourage others to accept themselves more fully, whether it be from a cultural, sexual, or any other perspective. You can find Linda on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lindalinhdo/).
14 Nov 2023
Dan Cariño: On his Swedish-Filipino upbringing, role models and dating
Dan Cariño is a Swedish-Filipino product designer, content creator and career coach. In this episode we talk about his upbringing, role models, dating as an Asian man, and how he got into product design and content creation. Tune in to learn more about Dan's thoughts on being Asian, dating Asians vs. non-Asians and internalised doubts and biases. You can follow him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ux.dancarino/) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@dan.carino/), and subscribe to his newsletter (https://dancarino.substack.com/).
10 Oct 2023
Shirley Ly: A British-Chinese-Vietnamese classical music composer on her music and upbringing
Shirley Ly is a self-taught contemporary classical music composer from London with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. She began composing when she was 15 and her music has been played around a million times across more than a 100 countries around the world, including on radio stations such as BBC. She has produced three albums with around 30 pieces, and is currently working on her fourth, which will be released later this year.
Tune in to learn more about Shirley's music, her upbringing, and why she calls herself a proud Londoner. You can check out her website www.shirleylymusic.com (https://www.shirleylymusic.com/), and listen to her music on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/357EbnKudbfV5J4mibKvT7?si=bb7sI3OXQ3yIrThdbDTbgg&nd=1), SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/shirleylymusic), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/shirleylymusic), and Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/shirley-ly/1172888431). Follow her on Instagram @shirleylymusic (https://www.instagram.com/shirleylymusic/) for updates on her latest releases and performances.
12 Sept 2023
ANOTHER NGUYEN: German-Vietnamese social worker turned electropop musician
Ngoc Anh Nguyen, better known as ANOTHER NGUYEN, is a German born Vietnamese musician and former social worker. Growing up in a small town in Saxony, it took Ngoc Anh time to find herself and her voice as a person and artist. Her journey brought her from Germany to Vietnam, the United States, and eventually to Berlin. Today she releases Electropop music as a freelance artist, and empowers others through her music.
Tune in to learn more about Ngoc Anh’s upbringing, her journey from social work to music, and the lessons she learnt along the way. You can listen to her songs on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/38bL6RPFPY14qTcIGIYyPM), Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/de/artist/another-nguyen/1435781634), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FaAklMt5MWXZ805uHKriw), SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/anothernguyenmusic/), and Bandcamp (https://anothernguyen.bandcamp.com/). Follow @another.nguyen (https://www.instagram.com/another.nguyen/) on Instagram for updates on her latest projects and performances.
8 Aug 2023
James Song: A British-Chinese Artist on art, culture, and life
James Song is a British born Chinese founder and figurative artist with a background in product design, business development and venture capital. He is currently based in Berlin, working on a new venture for the creator economy, and selling his art on the side.
In this episode, we dive into his art - how he got into it, his creative process, goals and views. We also talk about his identity as a British born Chinese and the differences in our upbringings.
Tune in to learn more about James’ perspectives on art, his background as a British born Chinese, and why his ex cannot sue him for the paintings he made of her. You can check out his artwork on his website (https://www.artistjsong.com/) or follow him on Instagram at @artistjsong (https://www.instagram.com/artistjsong/).
11 Jul 2023
CXCX Chu Chu: From her Danish-Chinese upbringing to releasing soulful rap
Camilla Chu Xu Bjørner, better known as CXCX Chu Chu, is a Danish-Chinese rapper based in Copenhagen. She started her rapping career in Canada, after making it to the country's finals of The Rap of China.
In this episode, we delve into her journey as an artist, exploring her cultural identity, the story behind her stage name, and the inspiration behind her soulful rap music. We also discuss her creative process, the messages in her recently released songs, and her views on representation in the music industry.
Tune in to discover Chu Chu's unique style and the experiences that have shaped her music. You can listen to her songs on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/5ms96LLCFRBayHVESeGJR1) and other channels under @cxcxofficial. Connect with Chu Chu on Instagram (http://instagram.com/cxcxofficial), Facebook (http://facebook.com/cxcxofficial), and Twitter (http://twitter.com/cxcxofficial) for updates on her latest projects and performances.
13 Jun 2023
Wonseok Choi: Pursuing a career in film, being a Korean adoptee, and Asian representation in film
Wonseok Choi is a Dutch-Korean film director with a decade of experience creating commercials for all kinds of brands. In this episode, we talk about his move into film, parental expectations, Asian representation in film, and his background as a Korean adoptee.
You can check out his work on his website (https://www.worldofwon.com/), or follow him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/won.s.choi/) (@won.s.choi).
27 Apr 2023
Trailer
Welcome to You Rice Me Up, a podcast about Asian Europeans from all walks of life. I’m your host Jing, a German born Chinese.
Every month I’m going to invite someone from the Asian-European community to talk about their stories and passions, ranging from their cultural identity, music, food and art to dating, careers, and much more. I’m creating this podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about the stories, lives and perspectives of Asian Europeans - people you don’t necessarily hear a lot about in the media.
Joining me will be guests like a Dutch-Korean film director, a German-Chinese founder, a Danish-Chinese rapper, and a Swedish-Filipino product designer.
Subscribe to find out more about them and others in future episodes.
—
Instagram: @youricemeup.podcast (https://instagram.com/youricemeup.podcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
24 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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