As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on the lessons we learned, the growth and transformation, and the amazing guests that inspired us. We also reminisce on childhood holiday traditions and new traditions we want to start! It's been an incredible year to our guests and listeners for helping us reach 2 years on the pod! Cheers to 2026, health, and happiness!

Your Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

catch us on IG: @1st_gen_podcast

We are joined by Amber Inthavong, author of "What We Brought Across the River, A Memoir of a Lao-American". In this episode we discuss her experience growing up as a Lao American in Colorado, her parents journey to escape the Secret War, and the leap of faith that would change their lives forever.

A moving mix of Lao history and first-gen identity, this book made us feel seen—like it was reading our own journal. It resonated deeply and stayed with us. You can find Amber's book ⁠here⁠. 📖

🗣️ Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

🔔 connect with us on instagram:

@1st_gen_podcast

It's the month of October, Happy Filipino American History Month (FAHM)! In this episode, Tiffany and Nina celebrate Filipino American History Month by reflecting on their experiences as Filipino Americans. They discuss the importance of honoring their ancestors, the role of food in their culture, and the challenges of navigating their identities in a diverse society. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, sharing traditions, and embracing one's heritage, while encouraging future generations to be proud of their Filipino roots. 🇵🇭

🗣️ Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

🔔 connect with us on instagram:

@1st_gen_podcast

We are joined again by returning guest, Claudette, as we dive into the hidden weight of responsibility placed on eldest daughters—from caregiving for grandparents to parenting younger siblings—often before even having a childhood of their own. Tune in as we go over what self-love means, being your authentic self around others and how to express these feelings on this latest episode! 🥲

🗣️ Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

Guest: Claudette

🎨 Color Correction by: LOCK In Production

@lockinproduction

🔔 connect with us on instagram:

@1st_gen_podcast

We are delighted by the lovely, Virginia Novello - actor, screenwriter, storyteller, podcast host of 'Orgasmica' and producer and portrayed one of the sisters in her recent film, 'Las Tres Sisters'! We dive into the beautiful journey of making the film, representing Mexico through a fresh lens, the emotions & learning lessons along the way, and the ultimate reward at the end - confronting your fears and going through it!

Check out Virginia's podcast Orgasmica here https://open.spotify.com/show/5wGqg8vaLHPxhVrZIRgpNc?si=835b9a94a9d34f90

Go see Las Tres Sisters on VOD #supportindiefilms

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0D9MZM1C8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Follow us on Instagram @1st_gen_podcast

Subscribe to our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstGenerationPodcast

Hosts:

Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

Guest:

Virginia Novello

On this episode, we’re joined by Maria Timonina, a first-generation Russian American actor best known for her role as Alice Wells in the Netflix series The Gringo Hunters, premiering July 9th.
We’re truly inspired by her journey as an actor and how she’s overcome fear and rejection in the industry. We admire her resilience in pursuing her goals, her ability to celebrate wins—big or small—and her approach to setting goals without strict timelines. Get your punch cards ready and enjoy this episode as much as we did!

Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

Guest: Maria Timonina

Connect with us on Instagram @1st_gen_podcast

In this episode, hosts Nina and Tiffany discuss the latest film of Andrew Ahn - 'The Wedding Banquet' (2025) exploring its themes of the LGBTQ+ identity, cultural expectations, and family dynamics. Getting into the characters' relationships, the role of tradition, and the importance of acceptance and personal growth. The conversation highlights the emotional depth of the film and its relevance to contemporary issues faced by immigrant families and the LGBTQ+ community. In this conversation, they explore the themes of motherhood, community support, and the representation of LGBTQ+ narratives in film. They discuss the importance of compassion in parenting, the role of community in overcoming challenges, and the significance of cultural traditions. The conversation also touches on the concept of lavender marriages and the pressures of societal expectations, all while highlighting the humor and emotional dynamics present in storytelling. Happy Pride!

Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

Connect with us on Instagram @1st_gen_podcast

We are joined by Kevin L to chat about the scarcity mindset (2:22). We uncover what that means as a 1st Gen American and how that impacts our decisions around money today (38:06). But one thing we learned from Kevin is that we need to invest in ourselves (47:36) - that's worth more than money can buy.

Check out https://www.instagram.com/vibeset_app/

Hosts: Nina Flores and Tiffany Kristie

Guest: Kevin L

Connect with us on Instagram @1st_gen_podcast