We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Franz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I still find it quite funny to call the podcast series a business because, at the core of it, it really is a passion project. Working on the hospital frontlines throughout the pandemic as a nurse and seeing the myriad of medical misinformation online, I just wanted to highlight expert guests within the healthcare and science sphere who can challenge these spreading ideas in the specialties in which they were educated and trained. This is really how my idea of the “Friends of Franz Podcast” was born around three years ago.

And I believe that that was the first way the podcast helped people and communities within the social media sphere: education. There is so much information online, and dissecting what is factual and evidence-based and what is not can be difficult. It was just a surprise that this education has seeped beyond the social media space into the world now that the podcast has been downloaded and streamed in over 100 countries worldwide on six continents. I’m just waiting for the penguins in Antarctica to tune in, haha!

Beyond virtual education, I am so proud of the representation that the series has brought to many people. The field of medicine is very much still white and male-dominated, given the Association of American Medical Colleges 2019 census that 56% of active physicians in the United States identify as White and only 36% of physicians are women. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics says that women make up less than 30% of the world’s researchers in STEM fields. I envisioned the roster of expert guests going against this grain and hearing more from members of underrepresented and minority groups, with a focus on Asian professionals, given my Asian heritage.

To provide sound education and representation to others is such an honor.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Some may find it fascinating that I would label being a nurse as an “art,” but I truly consider it a medium in which I could creatively express who I am. I will never forget one of my textbooks from nursing school years ago with the chapter title: “The Science and Art of Nursing.” I always thought about how the health field could be considered art when it seems so polar from more creative fields such as theatre, music, and dance. Having been a nurse for several years, I have discovered what is so artistic about caring for others. The ability to critically and quickly think on your feet of other methods you can execute when the first one fails, the courage to try new horizons and instruments within the same sphere, and the privilege of being able to impact others’ lives and emotions…these are all so priceless, and I consider them as art forms. My past and present experiences of being able to take care of others are so malleable and time-transcending that they help propel the stories of all my podcast episodes. Definitely, having taken the oath of caring for my patients, advocating for their well-being, and taking all possible measures to help preserve their lives, it has not been an easy feat. Learning firsthand that you cannot save everyone who entrusts their lives and care to you becomes a thorn in your flesh, but the willingness to enter that realm despite all adversity is what fulfills the field’s beauty and art. And I hope that the podcast conveys that message of passion for helping others through education and empowerment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Koreatown – Alhambra – Pasadena: I consider these my LA Trinity. I’m originally from New York City, so the concept of arrays of tall palm trees, food upon food, and a Koreatown that’s actually a town and not just one street (I’m sorry, New York) brings me so much joy. Each time I used to just visit California, my cousin Kyle and I would drive up and down this Trinity and just load ourselves with food and boba. I am so enamored by the beautiful sunset, silhouettes of the trees, and food to my stomach brim each time. I always hold these beautiful memories with me, so I would naturally want my best friend to experience the same.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As we enter the third season of the podcast series, we have had a total of 86 individual expert guests across 76 episodes. These eighty-six accomplished healthcare and scientific professionals from different niches and subspecialties generously shared their journeys with the world – the ups and downs, successes and learnings, fears and future hopes, and ultimately, expertise in their craft. I am beyond grateful and honored that they have trusted my platform with their time and heart to share their life stories and passion for their professions. Definitely, there would be no “Friends of Franz” without these Friends of mine. I am grateful for each one of the expert guests!

Website: https://friendsoffranzpod.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoffranzpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsoffranzpod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristianFranz

Other: https://www.instagram.com/chrsfranz/

Image Credits
Jeong Park Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.