Episode 11: Chu Tang & Finding Real Friends: Stay by My Side

Nov 12

In this episode, Chu Tang opens up about how friendship has shaped her journey from refugee camps to thriving as a creative artist and entrepreneur. Along the way, she found that friendship — real, unconditional friendship — was the thread that held her life together.

Chu shares how her second book, Finding Real Friends, was born out of gratitude for the support she received while writing her first. She hopes it helps young adults rediscover the meaning of friendship in an age of social media, where connection can often feel superficial.

Throughout the episode, Chu and I explore how friendship shapes identity, provides healing where family might not, and teaches us forgiveness and empathy. Chu’s stories — from childhood friends to creative collaborators to new business allies — show how authentic relationships help us grow into the best versions of ourselves.

As Chu says, friendship is both simple and sacred: it’s about trust, love without judgment, and choosing people who help you see your potential.

Find the transcript here

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why true friendship requires trust, action, and acceptance
How friendships can fill roles that even family can’t
Why some friendships are “seasonal” — and how to let go with grace
How to build genuine friendships in a social-media-driven world

Noteworthy quotes from Chu in this episode:

“I think if we come from that space [ what’s in it for me], it's very hard to find true friends because we will tend to attract people with agenda.”

“And then also we have to forgive our friend because it's like us forgiving ourselves.... No, we don't go to school to learn how to be a good friend….So sometimes friend[s], they make mistakes and then so do we.”

“A true friend is someone that I could totally depend on…without them prejudging…someone who allows me to be who I am…no judgment…love who I am.”