The Deep Dive Diaries

In this (potentially) last episode, Violet and Lucia reflect on their podcast journey. They discuss challenges and successes, favorite episodes, and why they are choosing to end the podcast. Thank you to everyone who listened in 2025!

In this episode of the Deep Dive Diaries, Violet and Lucia explore the traditional Chinese holiday, Midautumn Moon Festival. Across cultures, one moon connects us all— they share the festival’s background, its significance through food and art, and some of their favorite memories. Tune in to hear their takes on Midautumn Moon Festival compared to Thanksgiving!

Amidst the current political landscape of international relations between China and the United States, Violet and Lucia reflect on what makes both cultures so different through education. In this episode, they share information about China's education (historic and present) and American education (historic and present), as well as similarities/differences.

In this episode, Violet and Lucia discuss the history and cultural significance of Chinese dumplings, review their favorite dipping sauces, describe dumpling-making memories, and make dumplings for their friends to enjoy.Cookbook: First-Generation: Recipes From my Taiwanese-American Home, by Frankie Gaw

On this episode of The Deep Dive Diaries, Violet and Lucia explore their core theme of Asian American identity through the lens of food and culture.They break down tiaoliao (Chinese condiments), share their favorite Chinese dishes, and weigh in on the age-old debate: rice or noodles? Plus, they unpack how hotpot went from family tradition to global trend.Tune in for a flavorful conversation full of personal stories, cultural insights, and—of course—strong opinions.

Violet Evans & Lucia Wang are the co-hosts of the Deep Dive Diaries, a newly founded podcast created to share their experiences growing up in North Carolina, becoming Tar Heels at UNC-Chapel Hill, and navigating their first 9-to-5 jobs. In this episode, we explore the environmental impacts of North Carolina’s hog farming industry, as well as the legal ramifications and environmental disaster of the Duke Energy coal ash spill. These case studies underscore the interconnectedness of North Carolina with its people, wildlife, and environment.

In Episode 4, Violet and Lucia reveal the top ten tales they've read in the past year. These books discuss themes of first-generation Asian American identity, explore the impacts of racism and colonialism, and provide perspectives on how certain political worldviews are developed. Listen in as we explore how intersectionality emerges in these thematic novels.Content warning: this episode briefly mentions rape, substance abuse, and racial trauma.Books mentioned in this episode:Making a Scene, Constance WuTomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle ZevinWhat We Kept to Ourselves, Nancy Jooyun KimSea Change, Gina ChungBitter in the Mouth, Monique TruongLegendborn, Tracy DeonnSo Help Me God, Mike PenceHorse, Geraldine BrooksCrying in Hmart, Michelle ZaunerThe Immortalists, Chloe Benjamin

In this episode, Violet and Lucia chat about the history of the University of North Carolina (UNC), discuss the reputation and renown of the school, and reflect on our experiences as undergraduate students. Some topics covered include: the Wilson dunce cap story, the town of Chapel Hill's origin story, how Latin class helped Lucia choose a UNC email address, our favorite traditions and classes, and one lecture involving peppercorns and jello.Post-production corrections: 1) the Bell Tower actually lies to the South of Wilson library, not the north. 2) UNC Asheboro should be UNC Asheville. Asheboro is the town where the NC zoo is- but unfortunately, does not have a university.