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The beauty of unexpected connections reveals itself in this conversation with dancer and instructor Aggie, where cultural touchpoints create an immediate bond that transforms what could have been a simple interview into a rich exploration of shared experiences.
When two Filipino-Americans get together, certain topics inevitably emerge - the struggle to maintain language skills, childhood memories of rice with sabaw, and the universal annoyance of having your sock mysteriously disappear during sleep. As Aggie shares her journey as a dance instructor, she reveals a teaching philosophy centered on inclusivity: "No matter what, I cannot leave anybody behind." This approach stands in stark contrast to the cutthroat experiences she encountered during her brief foray into commercial dance auditions, where being typecast proved disheartening.
The conversation weaves through nostalgic territory - from AOL chat rooms to three-way calling - before venturing into more personal terrain. Aggie's candid discussion about experiences with sleep paralysis leads to a surprising revelation about her faith journey. "I tried everything, like everything, and then I found God and I'm like, I feel like a whole new person," she shares with genuine conviction. This moment transforms the conversation, revealing the spiritual dimension that underlies her approach to both art and life.
What makes this episode special isn't just the range of topics covered, but the authentic connection formed between two people discovering their shared cultural background, generational experiences, and parallel life journeys. Whether you're a dancer, Filipino-American, or simply someone who appreciates authentic human connection, this conversation offers a window into how our various identities - cultural, professional, and spiritual - interact to shape who we become.

• Aggie discusses how dance teaching has changed, with more diverse skill levels and intentions in today's classes
• Teaching philosophy centered on never leaving anyone behind, even if it means covering less choreography
• Comparison of industry audition experiences and why Aggie ultimately preferred teaching to pursuing commercial dance
• Nostalgic discussion of growing up Filipino-American with shared cultural touchpoints
• Insights about maintaining Kapampangan language as a second-generation Filipino-American
• Childhood food memories including egg, rice and banana ketchup as a comfort food staple
• Personal experiences with sleep paralysis and finding faith as a solution
• Both hosts connect over their parallel journeys of finding meaningful faith after exploring other paths