At just 29, Sam Cho went from exporting millions of pounds of eggs to becoming the youngest and first person of color to lead the Port of Seattle Commission. In this episode, Sam shares how growing up as the son of Korean immigrants shaped his path, from the Obama White House to city politics, from battling imposter syndrome to fighting anti-Asian hate, and why he opened a bubble tea shop with his family.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

02:32 - Becoming youngest and first person of color President of the Port Commission; leading through COVID-19, anti-Asian hate, and imposter syndrome

05:48 - Entrepreneurial story: exporting eggs during a global shortage

10:29 - Breaking down tariffs & trade wars

15:58 - Growing up Korean American

19:19 - Hungry Questions

21:14 - Opening bubble tea shop “Social Tea” with family

25:28 - Sambal Survey

28:35 - The Hungry Journal

31:17 - Advice to young immigrants & children of immigrants on leadership and mentorship

About Sam Cho

Commissioner Sam Cho is a second-generation Korean American who was raised by Korean immigrants in the state of Washington. By day, he is a staff member working in the state Legislature. By night, he runs his own business as the CEO of Seven Seas Export, a trading company that exports US commodities to Asia.

Prior to Seven Seas Export, Sam worked as a political appointee under President Barack Obama. In the Obama Administration, he was the Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator of the US General Services Administration. There, he helped to manage a federal agency of over 10,000 federal employees and worked on agency-wide strategy and execution for its three business lines in real asset management, federal acquisitions, and technology transformation.

Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Sam worked for a member of the United States Congress for whom he managed a portfolio of issues ranging from Foreign Affairs, Trade, Small Business, and Banking & Financial Services. Sam has also worked as an analyst for the US Department of State and conducted economic research for the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington D.C.

Sam was a recipient of the Congressional Fellowship from the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) in 2014 and World Affairs Council Fellowship in 2018. He served on the Board of Directors for the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) from 2014 to 2016.

He currently serves on the board of directors for Asian Pacific American Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE) and the Korean American Coalition (KAC) of Washington.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from The American University and a master of science from The London School of Economics.

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In this Hungry Bite with Malaysia’s beloved Chef Wan, we dive into the unapologetic pride of serving authentic flavors, the powerful role of mak ciks (aunties) in preserving culinary heritage, and why food is more than just sustenance — it’s identity, memory, and culture. Above all, Chef Wan serves a fiery reminder: if we lose our food, we lose our culture.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

01:13 - The power of Makciks (aunties)

3:48 - Stop apologizing for your food!

08:18 - If we lose our food, we lose our culture

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De.Wan 1985 by Chef Wan⁠

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We sit down with Kripal Amanna, Founder & Host of Food Lovers TV — the YouTube channel with over 1.2 million subscribers dedicated to uncovering India’s hidden culinary treasures.

From bamboo-steamed idlis in remote villages to the stories behind pre-dawn biryanis, Kripal shares his journey from hotelier to storyteller, the philosophy of preserving food heritage, and why mindful eating is the simplest way to safeguard traditions.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

02:08 - Who is Kripal Amanna: Growing up in Bombay, Taj Hotels career, and the birth of Food Lovers TV

13:32 - Unforgettable bamboo-steamed idli in Halaguru; pre-dawn Hoskote biryani

19:42 - How did Food Lovers TV changed Kripal’s perception of food?

22:45 - The diversity in Indian food and why food is more than sustenance

30:32 - Regional flavors & seasonality; Fusion VS Tradition

42:14 - Mindful eating is the one step everyone can take today

44:05 - Sambal Survey

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https://www.youtube.com/foodloverstv

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