This week on the special edition Bruce Lee Foundation takeover of the Bruce Lee Podcast for the month of May, Shannon is honored to welcome Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi to the show.

Everyone knows Kristi as a champion on the ice, but in her years since winning gold she has also become a devoted author, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for youth literacy. Born in California to Japanese-American parents, Kristi’s mother was born in a WWII internment camp while her grandfather served as a U.S. Army lieutenant. Kristi’s journey reflects strength across generations and is one of legacy and service.

Kristi shares how a treasured Dorothy Hamill doll ignited her early passion for skating, and what it felt like to meet her idol moments before the biggest performance of her life. She also reflects on her touring years with Stars On Ice.

Kristi opens up about the values her parents instilled in her around service and gratitude—and how those principles ultimately led her to found Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream, a nonprofit dedicated to early literacy and family engagement. Through her foundation, Kristi is helping ensure that children in underserved communities not only have access to high-quality books, but also the support needed to build a lifelong love of reading.

Finally, Kristi opens up about a new passion she’s been engaged in, and it’s VERY Bruce Lee of her! Join Shannon and get to know how Kristi is continuing to shape an inspiring legacy that continues across generations!

Show notes and more episodes at Brucelee.com/Podcast

Connect with Kristi….

Website: www.alwaysdream.org

Instagram: @kristiyamaguchi | @alwaysdream

Facebook: Kristi Yamaguchi | Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream

X: @kristiyamaguchi

This week on the special edition Bruce Lee Foundation takeover of the Bruce Lee Podcast for the month of May, Shannon welcomes Rudy Mata to the show.

Shannon first met Rudy at the LA County Youth Mental Health Summit hosted by the Department of Youth Development, where his story and message left a lasting impression. Rudy’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. In the face of overwhelming odds, he committed himself to his growth and education and continues that path as he works toward a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Today, Rudy is a registered Substance Use Disorder Counselor, youth advocate, environmentalist, artist, and poet—and above all, a father!

Rudy is a true testament to the truth that our past does not define our future but it can influence and cultivate a meaningful future if we let it. His life’s work centers around self-worth, generational healing, and creating safe, nurturing spaces for youth. Through his involvement with organizations like InsideOUT Writers, the Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN), Youth Justice Coalition (YJC), ExpandLA, and Green Arrow Co-Lab, Rudy is building therapeutic and creative environments where at-risk youth can reconnect with their inner strength and break cycles of trauma.

Whether through poetry, healing circles, or community gardening, Rudy leads with heart. He is a living reflection of Bruce Lee’s philosophy of self-actualization, sharing one’s learnings and paying it forward. Their conversation explores how they met, the impact of Rudy’s work, and what it truly means to support youth mental health with intention and love. Tune in and enjoy!

Show notes and more episodes at Brucelee.com/Podcast

Connect with Rudy….
Learn more about these organizations Rudy works with and supports:

Flow Youth Center

InsideOUT Writers

Green Arrow Co-Lab

Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN)

ExpandLA

Youth Justice Coalition (YJC)

Help support local small businesses, like Rudy’s partner Alina: @NailedBy.Muva

This week on the special edition Bruce Lee Foundation takeover of the Bruce Lee Podcast for the month of May, Shannon sits down with her friend, Katie Soo.

Katie is a creative force, tech innovator, and passionate advocate for underrepresented voices in storytelling. With a career that spans Hulu, HBO Max, DC Universe, Dollar Shave Club, and more, she has been instrumental in building and launching some of the most iconic and disruptive brands in entertainment and media. But what Shannon admires most about Katie is that behind every strategic move is a deep sense of imagination, heart, and a commitment to mentorship and community.

In this episode, Katie talks about how it’s been to navigate leadership, tech, and Hollywood as an Asian American woman—and why creating access and pathways for others has always been central to her purpose. Katie was also instrumental in helping Warrior to get a 3rd season at Max so you can thank her, Warrior Fans! Katie shares how she continues to champion bold, creative storytelling as well as her reflections on the power of mentorship and the importance of holding the door open for others.

Katie also has a robust creative life beyond the boardroom — from writing her first children’s book, to serving on numerous nonprofit boards, to raising her own family to creating inspiring content on social - Katie is the ultimate community connector, creator and friend to those around her!

Tune in and listen to see why Katie is such a powerful reminder that true leadership is grounded in personal passion, a desire to lift others up, and boundless imagination.

Show notes and more episodes at Brucelee.com/Podcast

Connect with Katie Soo….

Website: www.katiesoo.com

Instagram: @katie_soo