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Stories

August 11, 2023

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Michael Yam, the host of NFL Total Access on NFL Network, has now ventured into the world of children’s books with his first-ever creation, “Fried Rice and Marinara.”

This heartwarming tale revolves around Mikey Yam, a character just like Michael, who cherishes both his Chinese and Italian heritage. Michael wrote this story to show young readers that it’s okay to have a diverse background and to be proud of who they are.

Drawing inspiration from his own life, Michael wanted to share the joy of embracing different cultures with children. In “Fried Rice and Marinara”, he uses the magic of food to bring the story to life and spark curiosity about diverse backgrounds. Through this delightful book, Michael hopes to encourage kids to learn about their own heritage and appreciate the uniqueness of others.

As a first-time children’s book author and illustrator, Michael faced some challenges, but his passion for storytelling and connecting with young readers drove him forward.

Read through as we learn more about Michael and how he aims to inspire all children to feel confident in their identities with his book “Fried Rice and Marinara”, through an interview with Asian Hustle Network.

BREAKING BARRIERS WITH “FRIED RICE AND MARINARA”

During the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to speak to students about a path in broadcasting. I have always been disheartened by the lack of Asian representation in media classes. Aside from cultural factors, I believe the lack of widespread representation at high levels of sportscasting is a major reason why Asian American students are picking other career paths.

Strengthening the pipeline is one of the ways I think this changes. If young kids can see themselves in stories, I think it can spark an interest in storytelling. 

MIKEY YAM AS A MULTIETHNIC LEAD CHARACTER

As a kid, I didn’t think anything of the different cultures. I always knew I was Chinese and Italian, but as I got older, I realized that my friends didn’t have to think about or balance multiple cultural experiences that were very different.

Part of the reason I wanted to write “Fried Rice and Marinara” was to have young readers see a multiethnic character in a lead role. I also wanted to spark the thought that families with diverse backgrounds are normal.

At times in my childhood, I thought I had to “pick a side”, which is weird to think about now. I really want young kids to be able to embrace their heritage and be proud of their background. I know for my family, food was a backdrop to everything we did. I wanted to use cuisine as a vehicle to bring the story to life.

NAVIGATING BOTH SIDES OF HIS HERITAGE

First and foremost, it’s about embracing both cultures. I think many people focus on the differences between ethnicities, but we would all be in a better place if we gravitated to what’s the same.

Both my Chinese and Italian sides value family and the joy that comes from spending time with each other. I have fond memories of BBQs as a kid and my birthday parties having both Italian and Chinese food. 

CHALLENGES HE FACED IN THE WRITING PROCESS

I’ve spent my career telling the stories of athletes. I’m comfortable in that realm, but with “Fried Rice and Mariana”, it’s the first time I tried to connect with a young audience in a medium I’ve never worked in.

I have always loved having fun with my nieces and nephews, telling them crazy stories at home. I tried to imagine telling them this story as if we were in person. No, I can’t rhyme on the fly like in the book, but it’s about the tone.

I always love asking kids questions to see where their mind goes. If you notice at the back of the book, there is a page that gives kids an opportunity to write their funky food combinations with the ability to draw them, too. It’s really important to me that the experience with the book doesn’t end when they’re finished reading it. 

WHAT HE HOPES FOR READERS TO TAKE FROM HIS BOOK

I want young Asian readers to be able to see themselves as a main character in a story.

According to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin (2022) you are nearly as likely (39% BIPOC/37% Animal/Object) to see a children’s story about an animal or object than you are to see a story depicting a character from a diverse background. I see that as a problem. 

I want all children to be exposed to various cultures. The child who doesn’t often get to see characters who look like them will hopefully feel confident and have more self-worth. My hope is other children will be exposed to other cultures and develop an appreciation for experiences different from their own.  

CONNECT WITH MIKE YAM

Instagram: @Mike_Yam

Twitter: @Mike_Yam

Threads: @Mike_Yam

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For Nan Lin, entrepreneurship isn’t just business; it’s freedom. A freedom earned through sacrifice, relentless execution, and a refusal to accept the limits of a broken system. As the founder of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, Lin is reimagining the housing industry, tackling its inefficiencies with cutting-edge technology and a bold vision. His mission? To build stronger homes faster, at lower costs, empowering communities and challenging the status quo.

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Nan Lin | Founder and Principal of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY

3D Printing: The Future of Housing, Today

Lin’s vision for 4DIFY was sparked by a frustrating reality: “Wildfires destroy neighborhoods every year, yet we keep building stick-frame homes that burn like kindling,” he says.

After visiting several 3D printer manufacturers, Lin partnered with New York–based SQ4D. It took nearly a year to secure exclusive licensing rights, navigate regulatory hurdles, and obtain building permits, but he got it done.

Now, 4DIFY is building California’s first community of 3D-printed concrete homes. As this article goes live, their first printed home is nearing completion, despite heavy regulations and a steep learning curve. The team is already outperforming traditional timelines and cost benchmarks. The second and third homes will soon print simultaneously, targeting completion in two months, effectively one home per month at under $200 per square foot.

Despite challenges as an Asian immigrant, Lin managed to transform them into motivation and success. 

“We’re aiming to build at half the cost and in a quarter of the time,” Lin says. “That’s not a dream. It’s the direction we’re heading.”

Built with concrete, reinforced with rebar, and topped with metal roofs, these homes are resilient against fire, wind, earthquakes, mold, and pests. They’re also designed for long-term savings, with lower maintenance, less waste, and reduced energy and insurance costs.

“Critics doubted it would work,” Lin reflects. “But seeing is believing. This is the future.”

A Philosophy of Purpose and Resilience

Lin’s journey has been marked by relentless challenges, some seemingly insurmountable. “Obstacles never stop,” he admits. Yet he transforms adversity into opportunity, fueled by a positive mindset, solution-driven focus, and disciplined execution. His trusted team is his backbone. “No one succeeds alone,” he says. “My team turns the impossible into reality.” This resilience shapes his leadership, blending bold vision with purposeful action to create opportunities, particularly for communities long excluded from wealth-building. “Housing isn’t just a product,” Lin says. “It’s a platform for empowerment.”

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