Unseen: When Your Cultural Identity is Devalued
Inspired by Michelle Lee-Barnewall's A Longing to Belong
Meet Kenny Sok, a Cambodian American who was tired of never being an insider.
He clearly stood out as the only Asian kid in a class of 130 in Rockland, Maine.
But even among the sea of Asian Americans at Berkeley, he found few who valued his Cambodian American heritage.
In this unique series, we follow Kenny's journey as he discovers Michelle Lee-Barnewall's transformative book A Longing to Belong and connects with the author herself to explore the principles that changed his perspective—and might change yours too.
This innovative podcast blends nonfiction and creative storytelling. While Kenny's character is fictional, his experiences echo the real challenges faced by many second-generation Americans. The conversations between Kenny and Michelle combine scripted narrative with genuine, unscripted dialogue, as Michelle responds authentically to Kenny's questions.
The result is something truly unique—a thought experiment that takes abstract principles from Michelle's book and transforms them into practical application through Kenny's journey.
Podcast Episodes
Episode 1
Unseen
Kenny Sok faces disillusionment that few people express interest in his Cambodian heritage. When he discovers Michelle's book A Longing to Belong, he finds a kindred spirit.
Episode 2
What does it mean to be normal?
Kenny finds a radical concept in Michelle's book: while many young people have been told they need justice, what many want is just to be accepted as normal.
Episode 3
The Value of Awe
Michelle explains when the Book Revelation shows all nations gathered as one, what unites them is not negotiations but shared awe of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Episode 4
Discussing Culture Wars
In a Zoom conversation, Michelle provides practical answers to Kenny's questions about privilege, oppression, microaggressions, and more.
