This fun interview was with Raymond Lam, at AA Rising (a great website that highlights Asian Americans in the entertainment space. Here, I share more personal stuff like…why I became a life & dating coach….music I listen to…kissing on the first date..read below. For the rest of the interview, visit AA Rising.
Why did you become a life and dating coach?
Honestly because I want others to love themselves before loving others and reach inner fulfillment. Growing up I saw what low self-esteem and confidence did to people so I wanted to empower people for good change. Ultimately, so our children and generations after will be healthier and balanced.
What kind of responses did you receive from the advice you gave to your audience?
People are positively responding to my advice and I’m fortunate to receive emails regularly telling me know how my advice has changed or bettered their life. That’s when I know this is my true calling. It’s also pretty sweet when dating sites, TV networks and websites reach out to you as a dating expert. I feel very fortunate.
Do you live by the advice you give or do you find yourself in situations were you may contradict your own advice?
I try to be as aware of myself and my intentions. My advice is reflective of my own experience, my studies and being the go-to person for most of my life. This is not to say dating coaches don’t make mistakes. As human beings we all do and when we do, we learn and evolve. Each person is a walking experiment in this world and I’m definitely one of them.
Best pho joint in California? What kind of pho do you order?
This is a tough one since there’s so many good ones in San Jose, CA. I’d say Pho Ly in San Jose and Pho Vi Hoa in Palo Alto are my favorites. I always order PHO DAC BIET (the special) and yes, I can read and write Vietnamese.
Can you describe to me what “nerding out about social media” is?
I can talk about social media and video marketing all day! It’s so much fun, this powerful impact of new and social media and how to engage an audience to build a brand. So nerding out on social media, is fully engaging with your audience through these mediums and getting excited talking about it! Kinda like nerding out on Star Wars except, there’s no Chewbacca figurines to collect.
What kind of music makes you want to dance? What artist makes you want to get freaky and what new musical artist would you recommend?
I love electro music. Not only does it make me dance but it wakes up my day and makes it more fun! Daft Punk, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot chip, Cut Copy, CSS, Junior Boys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and so much more. I also like T-pain and Sean Paul (my friends would think that’s completely random).Music that makes me freaky is typically certain songs but I find ‘dub-step’ and minimal electro is good sexy music.
New musical band:
There’s this local SF band that I’m really into. THE GEOGRAPHERS. They make really good music!
Why do some men cheat? Do you believe in second chances?
Men aren’t the only ones who cheat, women do too, but I think the reason why men cheat is because either their relationship is not fulfilling or he’s not ready to be fully committed. Yes, I do believe in giving second chances because humans make big mistakes. The hurdle actually is gaining the trust back…that’s a toughie.
Growing up in a Vietnamese family, we rarely had turkey for Thanksgiving. Instead, my mom would bust out my favorite Vietnamese dishes and lots of seafood. Personally, I prefer seafood over turkey ANYDAY! This year, my mum made fantastic lobster, banh xeo (vietnamese crepe), and steak. Yummified.
Here’s a photo of my mum’s lobster creation. Yes, it was as good as it looks.
My mum makes the best food!
In spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to see pictures or hear about your non/traditional foods and activities you do with your family!
Here’s a sexy track for your holiday time and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Vanae’s album of the week: KINGS OF LEON! Sex and passion so good that it burns into your mind. This track ‘sex on fire’ is HOT! So is the rest of the album. If you haven’t gotten it, what are you waiting for? To hear more of Kings of Leon, click
my roommate and i watched a tv commercial tonight about some random cereal. cereal is getting so modern nowadays like tony the tiger getting ‘hip wid it’ on his rad skateboard. we laid back on our worn-in beige couch and reminisced about our favorite cereal when we were kids. my favorite cereal was kellogg’s corn pops and lucky charms. i love it when the colorful lucky charm marshmellows puff-up, floats and turn my milk purple. my roommate was trying to recall ..sugar….something..with the bear…there was a bear…we googled it..and it was ‘sugar crisp’. ahhh yes!
when you think about cereal, doesn’t it trigger good childhood memories?
everyday, it’s good to stop in your ‘adult tracks’ to tap into your youth again. so forget your stressful day. forget your adult responsibilities for one sec. improve the relationship with your young self again:
1) what is your favorite childhood cereal? do you have a particular memory about it?
share it with me or share a conversation with your friend. see where the talk takes you. i bet you’ll discover your friend’s interesting memories and perhaps find lost memories of your own.
2) get your favorite ice cream the next time the ice cream man rolls around
i always got the ‘strawberry shortcake bar’. my brother and i used to share a ‘teenage mutant ninja turtle’ ice cream. but i always saved the turtle’s bubble gum eyes for him. i believe all ice cream (vegan, natural or conventional) is magical in uplifting your mood.
3) spend at least 1-2 hours with a child (your daughter, nephew, children hospital…)
children’s laughter is the ultimate eraser of an adult’s worries at the moment. it’s so wonderful how innocent and happy children are. how can you not feel youthful around energy like this?
4) put on your favorite songlist and sing and dance as if your life depended on it
is it a tina turner song? how about that tu pac song? or…abba’s dancing queen tune that triggers great memories for you? do it up! you’ll kick up a sweat and smile so much. i know i do!
what was the last thing you did that made you feel young again?
