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Identity Library - Chapter 17: Words That Taste Like Home – Poetry, Film, and Creative Pursuits with Mingduo

Chapter 17: Words That Taste Like Home – Poetry, Film, and Creative Pursuits with Mingduo

03/15/25 • 58 min

Identity Library

Picture this: You’re sitting around a warm kitchen table in China, where the rich aroma of fresh dumplings fills the air, and your grandmother's hands, weathered with years of tradition, expertly fold the dough. The room buzzes with soft laughter, and each dumpling she creates is a piece of history, wrapped in dough and steeped in memory.

In this episode, I sit down with Mingduo, a recent NC State graduate originally from China and shaped by his experiences in Hong Kong. Mingduo shares how his cultural background, combined with his love for creative writing, has influenced his storytelling. His short story "Dumplings", published in NC State’s literary magazine, beautifully captures the intersection of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

We also discuss Mingduo’s journey as an international student, navigating the balance between pursuing a career in literature and the practicality of life ahead, as well as his admiration for role models like Andy Lau. Mingduo’s path toward library science shows how creative passion can evolve into a grounded, meaningful career.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether you should pursue a career in creative writing, or if you’ve been torn between following your passion or taking a more traditional path, this episode is for you. Mingduo's journey reminds us that passion and practicality can coexist, and the pursuit of creativity is never a waste. Whether you're traveling, taking a quiet moment, or simply looking for inspiration, I hope this episode encourages you to chase what sets your soul on fire, no matter where that journey takes you.

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Picture this: You’re sitting around a warm kitchen table in China, where the rich aroma of fresh dumplings fills the air, and your grandmother's hands, weathered with years of tradition, expertly fold the dough. The room buzzes with soft laughter, and each dumpling she creates is a piece of history, wrapped in dough and steeped in memory.

In this episode, I sit down with Mingduo, a recent NC State graduate originally from China and shaped by his experiences in Hong Kong. Mingduo shares how his cultural background, combined with his love for creative writing, has influenced his storytelling. His short story "Dumplings", published in NC State’s literary magazine, beautifully captures the intersection of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

We also discuss Mingduo’s journey as an international student, navigating the balance between pursuing a career in literature and the practicality of life ahead, as well as his admiration for role models like Andy Lau. Mingduo’s path toward library science shows how creative passion can evolve into a grounded, meaningful career.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether you should pursue a career in creative writing, or if you’ve been torn between following your passion or taking a more traditional path, this episode is for you. Mingduo's journey reminds us that passion and practicality can coexist, and the pursuit of creativity is never a waste. Whether you're traveling, taking a quiet moment, or simply looking for inspiration, I hope this episode encourages you to chase what sets your soul on fire, no matter where that journey takes you.

★ Support this podcast ★

Previous Episode

undefined - Chapter 16: Lumbee Culture & the Medicine Wheel – A Native American Perspective on Balance with Gavin Bell

Chapter 16: Lumbee Culture & the Medicine Wheel – A Native American Perspective on Balance with Gavin Bell

In this episode, I sit down with Gavin Bell, assistant director at NC State’s Multicultural Student Affairs Center and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, to explore Native American identity, cultural resilience, and holistic well-being. Gavin shares the rich history and unique traditions of the Lumbee people, highlighting the diversity among Native American tribes and the importance of cultural preservation.

A central theme of our conversation is the medicine wheel, an Indigenous framework for achieving balance across physical, emotional, spiritual, and communal aspects of life. Gavin explains how this approach can help us cultivate self-love, personal growth, and a deeper connection to ourselves and our communities. We also discuss the power of gentle accountability and the importance of filling our own cup before giving to others.

As we head into spring break, I hope this episode offers you something meaningful to reflect on. Whether you're traveling by plane, car, or bus, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself, I invite you to listen in. Wishing you all a wonderful and restful break!

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Next Episode

undefined - Chapter 18: Living as John Smith – The Power of Names, Part 2 with Abdullah Najjar

Chapter 18: Living as John Smith – The Power of Names, Part 2 with Abdullah Najjar

Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a "John Smith"? Well, Abdullah Najjar can tell you—because he did just that! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of names. Abdullah shares his experience adopting the most common name in the Western world while in Libya, all in an effort to sound less... well, too "exotic". Spoiler alert: It didn’t go exactly as planned.

From the Roman naming system to the complexities of “Gunther” and “Gustav,” we explore how names shape our identity and perceptions. We also tackle the emotional weight behind some names (yes, even “John Smith” has its baggage). Along the way, we learn how names tie us to history, culture, and sometimes—whether we like it or not—awkward dinner conversations.

So, whether you’re curious about the origin of your name or just need a good laugh at the expense of "John Smith," tune in! It’s the perfect episode to listen to while traveling, relaxing, or contemplating whether you should change your name to something more... memorable.

★ Support this podcast ★

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