A conversation with guest Jonathan Chan-Choong on identity and creating your own opportunities as a BIPOC creative. Plus, my upcoming masterclass on how to Build Your Climate Portfolio with Purpose.
In this episode of The Awe Cast, host Yarminiah, a first-generation Afro-Latina creative director and photographer for climate, sits down with Jonathan Chan Choong—a purpose-driven copywriter, poet, and brand strategist whose mixed-race identity deeply informs his work in climate communications. Together, they explore the intersections of culture, creativity, and climate action.
Jonathan shares powerful insights on the role of cultural preservation in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing the importance of archiving stories and traditions to honor our roots while forging pathways for a sustainable future. The conversation dives into identity, ancestral reverence, and the challenges of building a purpose-driven creative career in the climate space.
You will gain inspiration and actionable takeaways for bringing your unique cultural experiences into creative climate work and using storytelling as a tool for impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How honoring ancestral stories informs climate activism.
The value of cultural preservation in sustainability storytelling.
Practical tips for breaking into climate-focused creative careers.
Why volunteering and community engagement are critical for personal and professional growth.
How embracing identity can shape authentic and impactful art.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Jonathan Chan-Choong: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn
Explore Beige Babies, Jonathan’s radio project about mixed-race identity: Beige Babies
Musician Jonathan loves: Loyle Carner
Sign up for The Awe Cast newsletter for transcripts, references, and exclusive content: The Awe Cast Newsletter
Register for the free masterclass, Build Your Climate Portfolio with Purpose: register here.
More Awe!If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend, coworker, or family member who might benefit from these insights. Subscribe to The Awe Cast Newsletter for more inspiring conversations, resources, and tools for creative climate action.
Get full access to The Awe Cast at yarminiah.substack.com/subscribe
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!