They Call Us Bruce: Recent Episodes
Jeff Yang & Phil Yu
Hosts Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present They Call Us Bruce, an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
Jeff and Phil welcome Kiana Hall, the Seattle resident who spotted and named the viral phenomenon "Jimothy," the unusually-shaped raccoon who has captured the internet's heart. She talks about the fateful evening she encountered Jimothy on a neighborhood walk ("What am I looking at?"); why Jimothy has become a symbol of joy and resilience for so many, especially in this moment; the unexpected viral attention Kiana has received from the discovery; and the inevitable attempts to monetize and exploit Jimothy's image. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of discovering and naming Jimothy.
Jeff and Phil welcome Alice Chu, President of the legendary Great Star Theater in San Francisco's Chinatown -- the oldest Chinese theater in North America -- and David Chiu, City Attorney of San Francisco, to talk about the rich history, legacy and future of the Great Star and Chinatown at large. They talk about the mission to preserve and revitalize the century-old performing arts venue to serve the community; the continuing resilience of Chinatown businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; and the Great Star's interesting connection to this podcast's namesake, Bruce Lee. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of San Francisco Chinatown's historic legacy.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friend Leonardo Nam, who stars in Disney's Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. He talks about his journey as an artist from Argentina to Australia to Hollywood, where he first broke through in films like The Perfect Score, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift; his unexpected and delightful villainous turn as Maddox Hatter in Disney's wildly popular Descendants franchise -- including his very own full-fledged musical number; and the joy of getting to share this family-friendly project with his kids. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.
Jeff and Phil welcome Annie Lee, Managing Director of Policy for Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Sandra Wong, great-granddaughter of Wong Kim Ark, whose landmark 1898 Supreme Court victory established birthright citizenship in the United States. They discuss the history of United States v. Wong Kim Ark and its profound impact on American citizenship and civil rights; the contemporary political challenges to birthright citizenship and the erosion of constitutional rights; and the importance of educating the next generation about Wong Kim Ark's legacy.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor, martial artist, and stuntman Brian Le of MartialClub, whose credits include Everything Everywhere All at Once, Paper Tigers, and this summer's gritty action thriller The Furious. He talks about his humble beginnings from watching kung fu flicks on bootleg VHS, to making YouTube videos with his brother Andy as self-taught action stars; getting to work with some of the world's best film fighters in The Furious -- and the steep learning curve of making action movies in Asia; and channeling his inner baby to play the unstoppable henchman Ho. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Furious.
This episode is sponsored by National Asian American Theatre Company's acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, which brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Performances from June 9 through July 19. Use code H6BC for $59 tickets!
Jeff and Phil check in with Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive Director of AAPI Data, to get a pulse on the upcoming midterm elections. They discuss the challenges of voter engagement — including new and ongoing barriers to voting (and how you can take action); significant data trends across Asian American and Pacific Islander voter demographics; some of the urgent issues affecting AAPI voters; and key races to keep an eye on that could shape the future of our democracy. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the upcoming midterm elections.
This episode is sponsored by National Asian American Theatre Company's acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, which brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Performances from June 9 through July 19. Use code H6BC for $59 tickets!
Jeff and Phil welcome Kevin Jeung, Chef of Research and Production at the legendary restaurant Noma -- named the World's Best Restaurant -- which is finishing up a 16-week residency in Los Angeles. He talks about neglecting to inform his parents when he dropped out of college to pursue cooking full time; the culinary experimentation (both failure and success, but mostly failure) that happens inside Noma's Fermentation Lab; and what that $1500 per seat menu actually looks and tastes like. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of doing a restaurant pop-up in Los Angeles.
This episode is sponsored by National Asian American Theatre Company's acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, which brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Performances from June 9 through July 19. Use code H6BC for $59 tickets!
Jeff and Phil welcome back comedian, writer, podcaster, and sister in rice Jenny Yang to catch up, kick off the summer, and spread the word about her Good Egg Immigrant Grocery Store Standup Comedy Tour, in which she jokes about growing up as a "good" immigrant kid, the importance of food to our cultures, and her own failed fertility journey. Jenny shares about the personal struggles that led her towards her first standup special and a nonprofit comedy tour benefitting immigrants rights organizations -- performed in immigrant grocery stores around the country. We're talking durian, bok choy, air conditioning, bad lighting, and Jenny's jokes. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Jenny's fertility journey.
This episode is sponsored by National Asian American Theatre Company's acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, which brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Performances from June 9 through July 19. Use code H6BC for $59 tickets!
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura to talk about Third Act, his deeply personal documentary about his father, pioneering filmmaker Robert A. Nakamura, aka "The Godfather of Asian American Media." Tad talks about growing up in the shadow of his revered artist/activist parents, and the pressure that evolved into pride and partnership; making the movie he always knew that he had to make, and the challenges of putting himself front and center in the film; and how the camera -- and the ticking clock -- became the ultimate intermediary for father and son. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Third Act.
Jeff and Phil welcome back acclaimed legendary playwright David Henry Hwang, who talks about his new take on the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song, now playing at East West Players in Los Angeles. He talks about rewriting and re-contextualizing the book for this beloved show (still only one of the few Broadway musicals to center Asian Americans); refreshing some of the more outdated and regressive elements of the story -- including a few of the cringe-inducing lines from David's own 2002 revisal -- for contemporary times; and how this staging of Flower Drum Song represents a full-circle moment for David's life and career.
Jeff and Phil welcome back friend and filmmaker Bao Nguyen, director of the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return, which follows global pop supergroup BTS -- Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook -- as they reunite and record their highly anticipated comeback album Arirang. Bao talks about riding shotgun and spending the summer with the biggest band in the world; getting an intimate glimpse into the group's camaraderie, artistry, and unique dedication to their massive fanbase; and what it means for BTS to represent their nation and culture at this pivotal moment in their career. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making BTS: The Return.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friend, writer and educator Scott Kurashige, author of American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism. He talks about his personal journey into Asian American activism and movement scholarship; the erasure of anti-Asian racism and colonial violence, and why we are constantly learning and re-learning this history; and why legislating and prosecuting hate crimes isn't necessarily the answer for multiracial solidarity. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing American Peril.
Jeff and Phil welcome rapper/actor/writer Jonnie Park, aka Dumbfoundead, author of the new memoir SPIT: A Life in Battles. He talks about why the time felt right to share his story through this book; coming up in Koreatown and finding his voice as an artist through the Los Angeles battle rap scene; making the leap from music to movies and TV in projects like K-Pops! and Beef; and why Phil is the only person who calls him by his government name. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing SPIT.
Jeff and Phil welcome back their best pals in podcasting, cultural critic/journalist/educator Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to re-connect, reset, and share what they've been watching/consuming/experiencing lately in pop culture and beyond. They discuss, among other things, Asians in the Regency romance of Bridgerton; the possibility of a brown James Bond in Riz Ahmed's offbeat comedy series Bait; the audacity of multiple Asians as health care workers on The Pitt; and how far pretty privilege can get you on The Traitors. Also: Jeff finally watched Pop Star Academy. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer/director Amy Wang and actress Shirley Chen to talk about their new film Slanted, a horror/comedy described as "Mean Girls meets The Substance." They discuss blending body horror and black comedy to tell an Asian American story about race, shame, and belonging; why the American high school prom is a useful and universal -- they love this movie in Germany! -- cinematic narrative device to interrogate some big ideas; how to find the "whitest" stock footage for your fake karaoke video; and why McKenna Grace speaks Chinese so well in the movie. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Slanted. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.
Jeff and Phil welcome back Daniel Chong, director of the Disney/Pixar animated feature Hoppers. They discuss the silly, unlikely pitch for "Penguin Avatar" that actually got the green light; centering an angry Asian young woman at the heart of this adventure (and why this movie arrives amidst an incredible moment for animated Asian movie heroines); and all the fun world-building that goes into crafting a story set in the animal kingdom. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Hoppers. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.
Jeff and Phil ring in the Lunar New Year and welcome journalist Kimmy Yam to talk about trial runs, fresh starts, and the Year of the Horse. They discuss the unfortunate and untimely shutdown of NBC Asian America -- and the loss of representation, trust, and cultural power; the incredible depth of reporting and coverage of the Asian American community that Kimmy was able accomplish during her tenure at NBC; and what the future looks like now for authentic and sustained news coverage of marginalized communities. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the new year. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.
Jeff and Phil welcome poet/author/activist Bao Phi and Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Laura Yuen to talk about the ongoing and escalating crackdown by federal immigration operations in Minnesota. They talk about Laura's recent piece about her family and their citizenship; the temperature on the street, particularly in the wake of recent killings by ICE agents; the widespread fear and uncertainty among community members just trying to move through their lives; and the kindness of everyday Minnesotans who are helping each other survive the siege. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being in Minnesota right now. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.
Jeff and Phil welcome chef Hasung Lee, aka "Culinary Monster," one of the breakout contestants from season two of Netflix's hit Korean cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars. He talks about his journey from Korea to the United States to train in some of the world's best kitchens; getting cast on the show as a Black Spoon chef -- including how he got his nickname; his unique focus and confidence while competing in each cooking challenge; and which fellow contestants' dishes he wishes he could have tasted. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of competing on Culinary Class Wars.
Phil and Jeff welcome animator and filmmaker Alex Woo, co-director of the Netflix animated feature In Your Dreams. He talks about the foundational education in storytelling he received while working at Pixar, leaving to strike out on his own and chase the brave new world of streaming with Kuku Studios, and telling an emotionally grounded story -- while teaching the kiddos about suffering! -- through the wildly entertaining and absurd world of their dreams. They also discuss the unfairness of Simu Liu's talent; Phil's totally wrong theories about Stevie and Elliot's namesakes; and that nasty, magical place behind the refrigerator. And will the real Alex Woo please stand up? Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making In Your Dreams.
Jeff and Phil welcome artist, author and advocate Rina Oh, one of the only Asian American women to publicly share her experience as a victim of sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. She shares about her journey as an immigrant and striving artist that eventually led her into the orbit of the disgraced financier -- a relationship marked by manipulation, exploitation, and ultimately, regret. She talks about the reckoning still yet to come, as details about the web of players from the Epstein investigation continue to come to light. Rina also shares about her journey of healing and renewal as a survivor and artist. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the release of the Epstein files.
Jeff and Phil welcome Francesca Hong -- chef, community organizer, state assemblymember, and candidate for governor of Wisconsin. She talks about her working class roots and political ascent from the food service industry to being elected the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, and now running for governor as a Democratic Socialist to build a Wisconsin in which everyone has a seat at the table. She also talks about rocking the Stay Angry shirt, why Wisconsin is more than just beer and cheese, and how it's "cool as hell" to be Korean right now (and feeling some kind of way about it). And of course, The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of running for governor of Wisconsin.
Jeff and Phil welcome creator/star Angela Wong Carbone and actors Celia Au and Derek Basco -- voices behind the new comedy fiction podcast Minor Legends (part of the Potluck Podcast Collective), an ambitious narrative project that's "a little cringe, a little crazy" that delves into the funny, weird and wild side of Asian America. Angela talks about being inspired to create a multi-dimensional showcase for her community of hugely creative friends; Celia and Derek talk about summoning/channeling their Asian parent vibes ("Ai-yaaaahh!") for their roles. Also: The Good, The Bad, and WTF of making Minor Legends. Plus: stick around to the end and listen to a bonus episode of Minor Legends.
Jeff and Phil welcome friend and filmmaker Fawzia Mirza, writer/director of indie comedy/drama feature The Queen of My Dreams. They talk about the Asian diasporic film subgenre of "Our Parents Are People Too"; Fawzia's own journey of telling this story over multiple iterations and embracing her identity as a director; and the challenges of shooting a narrative that spans several time periods and countries, from 1969 Karachi to 1989 Nova Scotia. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Queen of My Dreams.
Jeff and Phil celebrate the 300th episode of They Call Us Bruce and welcome writer/scholar Jeff Chang, author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, recorded live at Skylight Books in Los Angeles. He talks about writing a biography of Bruce Lee that authentically centers the man behind the legend, while doubling as a stealth culturally history of Asian America, in a way that it's never been told before. They discuss Bruce's rough-and-tumble (and highly cinematic) teen years; how young Bruce was actually kind of awkward (and annoying); and the hard-fought Asian American journey to becoming a global icon. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing Water Mirror Echo.
Jeff and Phil welcome pop culture pals and cultural critics Dino-Ray Ramos and Rebecca Sun to discuss two new similarly-flavored TV series, Butterfly and Tempest. They explore the cultural significance of these Korean and Korean-adjacent shows, their unique storytelling approaches, and the evolving landscape of Asian American representation in global content. They discuss the future of authentic Asian storytelling in Hollywood -- beyond stunt casting and "flower vases"; the role of diaspora creatives; and the balance between small, intimate stories and larger global narratives. They also caution against Hollywood's inevitable exploitation and commodification of K-culture.
Jeff and Phil welcome actors Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty, stars of the Prime Video thriller series Butterfly. Daniel talks about adapting the original graphic novel to create an action/espionage series around Korean American characters; Reina talks about auditioning for "Untitled Daniel Dae Kim Project" and finding her way in the role of estranged daughter (and highly-skilled assassin) Rebecca; they talk about the need for nuance in ethnic-specific casting for Asian American actors; and Daniel and Reina share The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Butterfly.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friend Oliver Wang, professor of sociology, curator for the Japanese American National Museum exhibition Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community, and author/editor of the exhibition's companion book. They talk about the rich history of Japanese American car culture in Los Angeles, its significance in shaping community identity, the impact of urban development, the surprising gamesmanship involved in street racing, and the complex tapestry of stories still waiting to be uncovered in Asian American history. Oliver also shares some of his research on an important question: why is "Bizarre Love Triangle" the unofficial anthem for Asian Americans (of a certain age)?
Jeff and Phil welcome back Ada Tseng, co-author of Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry, and actor/comedian Amy Anderson and her daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Modern Family). Ada talks about writing a practical guide to getting started in today's entertainment industry; Amy and Aubrey trade stories with Jeff -- who's had some experience as a stage parent -- about how getting cast on network television show changed their families' lives; and how everybody's navigating this current moment of upheaval and uncertainty. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of "The New Hollywood."
Jeff and Phil welcome writer and former pinup model Kaila Yu, author of Fetished: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty, a memoir-in-essays exploring the roles pop culture and colonialism played in shaping pervasive and destructive stereotypes about Asian women and their bodies. She talks about her iconic status as a model on import tuner scene; her own reckoning with being an object of Asian fetish; and her personal journey of self-love and healing. They also discuss Phil and Kaila's shared history as members of the extended Fast & Furious cinematic universe, as well as the remote possibility that Jeff and Kaila (née Elaine Yang) could be related.
Jeff and Phil welcome Howard Ho, playwright/composer/YouTuber, and Diep Tran, Editor in Chief of Playbill, to discuss Asian Americans in theatre, Broadway, and controversy over the recent announcement that Andrew Barth Feldman, a white actor, would be taking over the lead role in Maybe Happy Ending, the hit Tony Award-winning musical about robots finding connection in future Korea. They talk about the historical lack of opportunities for Asian Americans in theatre, enjoying a moment of hope in the wake of recent successes, and why Maybe Happy Ending's re-casting is such a disappointment on multiple levels. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of this moment in Asian American theatre.
Jeff and Phil welcome back pop cultural pals Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos to discuss recent superhero movies like Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps. (But really, a good excuse for friends to hang out and gab, because it's been a minute.) They talk about the so-called "woke" Superman, where the heck Shang-Chi has been, watching these movies in a world of real-life supervillains, and the significance of superhero narratives in the context of Asian American identity, history and culture.
Jeff and Phil welcome Maggie Kang, creator and co-director of the hit Netflix animated feature Kpop Demon Hunters. She talks about the seven-year journey of bringing the film to life; behind-the-scenes insights on crafting an epic animated action musical that incorporates both supernatural demon lore and kpop idol culture; assembling the voice and music team to tell this uniquely Korean story; and the incredible, unexpected global response to the movie. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Kpop Demon Hunters.
Jeff and Phil welcome Dylan Park-Pettiford -- TV writer, combat veteran and author of the memoir Roadside: My Journey to Iraq and the Long Road Home. He talks about growing up as a Black/Korean American kid in Campbell, California; getting swept up in the post-9/11 patriotism that sent him to Iraq, where his days alternated between boredom and terror; losing his brother to gun violence; uncovering a part of his identity through family history; and the kinds of topics you might want to avoid writing about if your mom might eventually read your book.
Jeff and Phil connect across travels and time zones to catch up and reflect on some of The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of recent weeks, including K-Pop Demon Hunters, New York City mayoral candidates, "rooftop Koreans," ICE raids, Squid Game, and space sushi.
Jeff and Phil welcome fashion industry commentator and writer Derek Guy, also known as "the menswear guy." He talks about how his interest in clothing and fashion led to his wildly popular blog and social media persona; how his writing weaves together humor, history, cultural criticism, and political commentary to make fashion feel relevant to anyone; why terrible politicians are such easy targets for sartorial critique; and why he was compelled to speak out about anti-immigrant rhetoric and stereotyping -- making himself the target of the likes of J.D. Vance. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being the menswear guy.
Jeff and Phil welcome back actor, activist and author Maulik Pancholy, co-writer and star of the scripted comedy podcast Murder at the Patel Motel. He talks about the real-life "Patel motel cartel" that inspired the audio drama's small town murder mystery milieu; blending the tried-and-true tropes of an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit with a gay, Indian American family comedic twist; the creative challenges of writing for an audio-only format; whether or not Maulik will ever get to attend the Met Gala; and of course, The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Murder at the Patel Motel.
Jeff and Phil welcome back their old friend Andrew Ahn, writer/director of The Wedding Banquet, a reimagining of Ang Lee's beloved classic. They discuss Andrew's journey as a filmmaker; assembling an all-star team -- including Youn Yuh-jung, Joan Chen, Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang -- for the project; navigating the complexities and subtleties of contemporary queer representation; being a part of the legacy of Asian American cinema; and of course, The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of remaking The Wedding Banquet.
Jeff and Phil welcome back Shin Yu Pai to talk about the latest season of her podcast Ten Thousand Things, along with fellow podcaster Yowei Shaw (Proxy, NPR's Invisibilia). They talk about the objects that help us move forward -- like a gold star trophy; how layoffs can be like breakups that unravel your sense of identity, purpose, and self-worth; finding healing and reinvention in the wake of professional setbacks; and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of going independent. Also: keep listening to hear a full episode of Ten Thousand Things.
Jeff and Phil welcome Michael Luo, executive editor at The New Yorker and author of the book Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America, a sweeping narrative history of the Chinese in America, and their more than century-long struggle to belong in the face of bigotry, persecution, exclusion and racial terror. Michael talks about the real-life racist incident that partially inspired the project; the complexities and quirks of Chinese American immigration history; some of the fascinating stories and characters he uncovered during his research for Strangers in the Land; and the alarming parallels between past and current debates on immigration, citizenship, and our multiracial democracy.
Jeff and Phil welcome Dolly Li, documentary filmmaker, journalist and cultural consultant on Ryan Coogler's epic vampire blockbuster Sinners. They discuss Dolly's documentary on The Untold Story of America's Southern Chinese, and the deep-rooted origins of the Mississippi Delta's Chinese American community; how Ryan Coogler's own family connection to the Delta Chinese inspired the Chinese characters in Sinners; and how Dolly worked with the filmmakers to make the movie historically accurate and authentic as possible -- right down to that one horny line of Chinese dialogue. And of course, they offer their own hot takes on Sinners.
Jeff and Phil welcome director Jennifer Lin and producer Jon Funabiki to talk about their documentary Ten Times Better and the incredible untold story of George Lee, a pioneering dancer with an unheralded place in ballet and Broadway history. They discuss the sensational skill and artistry that landed George the role he originated in The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet; the filmmakers' search for the former dance prodigy that tracked him down in Las Vegas, where he was working in relative obscurity as a blackjack dealer; the ongoing struggle for recognition and inclusion in the performing arts; and the film's efforts to honor and preserve George's story, especially in this moment as diverse narratives face the threat of suppression and erasure.
It's May, and that means it's AANHPI Heritage Month -- possibly the last one ever, if certain people get their way. Jeff and Phil check in and discuss the significance of Heritage Month, reflecting on community resilience, cultural celebrations, and the challenges faced by Asian Americans in this moment. By way of The Good, The Bad, and The WTF, they explore the impact of recent events on mental health within the community, the ongoing importance of representation in media, and the troubling perceptions of Asian Americans in U.S. society as revealed by recent surveys.
Jeff and Phil welcome back their old pals Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos to talk about The Wedding Banquet, writer/director Andrew Ahn's contemporary re-envisioning of Ang Lee's 1993 beloved romantic comedy, starring Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Han Gi-Chan. The big question: does this remake justify its existence? They discuss the film's fresh take on LGBTQ+ themes and family dynamics; some of the more questionable but necessary narrative turns; and why Joan Chen and Youn Yuh-jung are Asian American cinema royalty.
Jeff and Phil welcome Dr. Michael L. Wong, an astrobiologist, planetary scientist and podcaster who studies planetary atmospheres, habitability, biosignatures, and the emergence of life. And Star Trek. He talks about his involvement in the Stand Up for Science protests, the intersection of science, activism, and the challenges faced by the scientific community, particularly in light of recent budget cuts to space exploration and other STEM fields, and the broader implications of stifling diversity in science.
In this rewind episode, we dip back into the archives and revisit Phil and Jeff's 2024 conversation with friend, journalist and fellow podcaster Ada Tseng about her Los Angeles Times piece which asked and answered a very important question: Which are the "most Asian" Costcos in Southern California? They discuss why the wholesale chain holds a particular appeal for Asian American shoppers, the specialty items you can only find at the Most Asian Costcos, and the spiritual journey of purchasing Kirkland clothing. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Costco.
Jeff and Phil welcome actress Ji-young Yoo, star of Freaky Tales and Expats. She talks about the cathartic act of fictionally beating the crap out of some Nazis; capturing the specific fun and weird ("Bay shit") vibes of 1987 Oakland, from her punk wig to nailing the accent in Freaky Tales; feeling a sense of belonging in Hong Kong and acting toe-to-toe with the likes of Nicole Kidman for her breakthrough role in Expats; and how her career journey may or may not include going back to take those two last credits to finish college. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Freaky Tales.
Jeff and Phil welcome Vicki Tan, digital product designer and author of Ask This Book a Question: An Interactive Journey to Find Wisdom for Life's Big and Little Decisions, a one-of-a-kind guide to smarter decision-making based in the science of cognitive bias and the wisdom of storytelling. Vicki shares her journey of writing the book, the significance of diversity in storytelling, and how her background in product design informs her approach to helping others navigate life's big and small questions -- including that immediate, persistent question: what should we have for dinner tonight? (Answer: mapo tofu, of course.)
Jeff and Phil discuss the evil, manipulative, and highly organized world of online scams with journalists Nelson Wang, who became the target of a "pig butchering" crypto scam, and Denise Chan, host of the Wondery podcast Scam Factory, which exposes the brutal reality behind these ripoff operations. There's a scam for everybody. They talk about the increasingly creative and sophisticated ways that scammers prey on their victims, how that scammer on the other side might actually be a victim of a scam themselves—trafficked and trapped—and the bizarre corporate infrastructure behind some of these scam factories. Pizza party!
Jeff and Phil welcome veteran actor Stephen Park, who discusses his iconic roles in projects like Do the Right Thing, Fargo, and In Living Color; the racist incident on the set of Friends that inspired his viral 1997 mission statement on Asian American representation in Hollywood; the ongoing challenges he's faced as a person of color in the industry; and a reconciliation of sorts with his own Korean identity, thanks to working with cool directors like Bong Joon-ho. Also: the unintended complexities of being known as Steve versus Stephen.
Jeff and Phil welcome comedian and actor Asif Ali, star of the Hulu crime comedy series Deli Boys. They discuss evolution of South Asian roles from stereotypes to complex characters, and how the show puts a chaotic, hilarious twist on the mini-mart narrative. Asif talks about his professional journey in comedy, how he had to create his own opportunities (including some not-entirely-truthful hustling by Asif's manager, aka his brother), and why it's okay to NOT be chill about seeing yourself on a billboard. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Deli Boys.
Jeff and Phil welcome veteran actor Dustin Nguyen, star of the indie crime drama The Accidental Getaway Driver, a uniquely Vietnamese American story -- inspired by true events -- surprisingly told as a humanistic character study. He talks about the rage, hurt and loneliness of his character; his decades-spanning career journey and the evolution of his roles in Hollywood, from 21 Jump Street to V.I.P.; and his transition to filmmaking in Vietnam (and back). Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Accidental Getaway Driver.
Jeff and Phil welcome diversity advocates and experts Mia Ives-Rublee and Sumi Pendakur to discuss the impact of the current political climate on Asian American activism and identity. They talk about the importance of diversity in higher education in shaping identities and worldviews, the assault on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the wake of Trump's executive orders, the challenges of leadership in uncertain times, and the alarming normalization of extremist ideologies. Also: pre-emptive chickenshit, Nazi salutes, and dangerous dumplings.
Jeff and Phil continue their celebration of Fresh Off the Boat's 10th anniversary and welcome writer Sanjay Shah (Everybody Still Hates Chris, Dream Productions, Central Park) and director Jude Weng (Finding Ohana, The Good Place, Only Murders in the Building) -- key creatives involved in the making of the groundbreaking series. They look back at the impact of the show on their careers, some of the challenges and critiques they faces during production, and the importance of storytelling from an Asian American perspective. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Fresh Off the Boat.
Phil and Jeff celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fresh Off the Boat with series star Hudson Yang (who also happens to be Jeff's son). They reflect on the show's impact on their family, Hudson's journey from childhood aspirations to landing a lead role, and the significance of the show in reshaping narratives around Asian Americans in media. They look back at the audition process, the challenges of navigating fame and public scrutiny as a child actor, and the lasting (and perhaps unsung) legacy of the series. Also: that time Hudson almost got fired from Fresh Off the Boat before it even got started.
It's the Year of the Snake! In this special Lunar New Year episode, Jeff and Phil welcome fellow Potluck Podcast pals -- and fellow parents -- Ada Tseng (Saturday School), Joanna Lee (Sound and Fury, The Korean Drama Podcast), and Marvin Yueh (Books and Boba, Good Pop) to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of Marvin's twins while discussing the unique challenges of Asian American parenting. They explore the importance of cultural representation in children's media, the significance of language and heritage, and the realities of sleep deprivation and collaborative parenting strategies.
Jeff and Phil welcome Eileen Chow, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Duke University's Asian/Pacific Studies Institute, and Ava Chin, CUNY professor and author of Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Story of Exclusion and Homecoming, to talk about birthright citizenship, a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, now under attack (again) by the Trump administration. They talk about their anger in this moment, who is really under attack -- not rich white folks! -- in this latest attempt to revoke birthright citizenship, the landmark precedent set by United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and why the lessons of history must be constantly learned and re-learned.
Jeff and Phil welcome friends, author/podcaster R Scott Okamoto and filmmaker/professor Renee Tajima-Pena to share their reflections on the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of greater Los Angeles. Scott shares about the terrifying experience of evacuating from the approaching inferno, while Renee recounts her efforts to save her family's treasures and traditions. The discuss the profound loss for the history and community of Altadena and the incredible heart in Los Angeles's response to this moment.
Jeff and Phil welcome Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, the directors/writers/producers/stars of Extremely Unique Dynamic, a "Meta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-of-Age-Bromantic Dramedy" about two best friends who decide to make a movie... about two guys making a movie... about two guys making a movie. They talk about making a buddy narrative to showcase their friendship and talent, how they managed to sneak in a celebrity cameo from Hudson Yang (as himself!) and the unanticipated low-budget/high-effort costs when you make an indie project. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Extremely Unique Dynamic.
Jeff and Phil welcome back the crew — Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos — to discuss season two of the global sensation Squid Game, which is officially Netflix's most watched show ever. In what is quite possibly this podcast's longest episode ever, they discuss the return and evolution of some fan-favorite characters, their least favorite new characters, the biggest new twists in the deadly game, and whether or not Gong Yoo gets worthwhile screen time in his return as the mysterious Recruiter. And of course: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Squid Game Season 2.
Jeff and Phil welcome showrunner/producer Echo Wu and writer Jade Chang, key creatives behind the Netflix animated series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld, starring Ali Wong. They talk about creating a uniquely Asian American young adult action/horror/supernatural family drama; melding Asian mythology and folklore with contemporary youth culture (complete with a playlist) to tell a multi-layered story; and how to keep your cool (and failing miserably) while working with a K-pop idol. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld.
Jeff and Phil welcome comedian Ronny Chieng to discuss his latest Netflix special Love to Hate It. He talks about his efforts to harvest his wife's eggs (with no medical training whatsoever), the frustrating susceptibility of baby boomers to internet scams, his near-decade-long tenure as a correspondent on The Daily Show, and why the only career move he's concerned with is crafting the next joke. Plus: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Love to Hate It.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Sue Kim, director/producer of The Last of the Sea Women, a documentary about the haenyeo, a fierce community of South Korean divers fighting the save their vanishing culture from looming threats. She talks about her lifelong fascination with this "badass girl gang," her drive to tell the stories of unique subcultures like Korea's mermaids and competitive Rubik's cube solvers, and how to film a documentary about free divers when you're actually not a very good swimmer. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Last of the Sea Women.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Jean Shim and actress Jae Suh Park, director and star of the independent drama A Great Divide -- also co-written and produced by our very own Jeff Yang. They talk about making a movie inspired by the contemporary backdrop of anti-Asian hate, the personal experiences with racism and xenophobia that informed the film's story and characters, the quirks and challenges of shooting in the wilds of Wyoming, and why it's convenient to have a doctor on set -- especially if that doctor is Ken Jeong. Also: a special bonus edition of "Pass, Fail, Incomplete, and Fail," sponsored by McDonald's APA Next.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer Charles Yu, showrunner/executive producer of the Hulu series Interior Chinatown, adapted from his award-winning novel of the same name. They discuss the challenges of taking a somewhat indescribable and seemingly un-adaptable book and adapting it into a 10-episode prestige series; how Interior Chinatown is actually like Pokemon; and the fun of deconstructing the TV tropes of the police procedural "Chinatown Episode."
Jeff and Phil talk turkey in their semi-traditional annual observation of thanks and giving, and welcome comedians Joe Wong and Sierra Katow to talk comedy, careers and these troubled times. They talk about coming from very different -- parentally-supported versus culturally nonexistent -- standup traditions, the stereotypes that still hound them, and the future (or perhaps lack thereof) of our democracy. Also, a very special Thanksgiving edition of The Good, The Bad, and The WTF.
Jeff and Phil welcome co-creator/executive producer Rachel Kondo and writer/co-executive prodicer Shannon Goss of Shōgun, now one of the most acclaimed television shows of all time. They talk about setting out to adapt the original novel with a different, shifted perspective, the complicated multi-step script-to-screen process of translating the show from English to Japanese and back, and getting the band back together to write another season. Also: a healing moment, a magical falcon, Zombieko, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Shōgun.
In this special live episode, Jeff (minus Phil) talks to acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang about his trailblazing work, including Yellow Face, currently on Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre. He talks about the mind-boggling play-within-a-play inception of Yellow Face, what it's like to write a version of yourself ("DHH") into your show -- played by Daniel Dae Kim, no less -- and why his work seems to keep meeting the political moment. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being David Henry Hwang. Recorded live at the Museum of Chinese in America in New York City.
Jeff and Phil welcome Dr. Michelle Au, who represents District 50 in the Georgia House of Representatives. She talks about her journey from medicine into politics -- from anesthesiologist to the first Asian American elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2020 -- how she's navigated some of the electoral shenanigans of her rapidly changing district, and the power of the Asian American vote in her swing state of Georgia during this extremely important and consequential presidential election.
Jeff and Phil welcome law professor and state senator Dave Min, who is running for Congress in California 47th district. He talks about why he made the decision to step into this critical race, the unique characteristics and shifting demographics of his traditionally conservative district, and some of the blatant (and sadly, unsurprising) anti-Asian racism his campaign has faced. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of running for Congress.
Jeff and Phil welcome George Cheung, Director of More Equitable Democracy and co-host of the podcast The Future of Our Former Democracy, which asks an important question for our anxious times: Why does American democracy suck right now? George argues that there's a major underlying issue: the polarizing winner-take-all electoral system. He talks about what it could look like if the United States dismantled its current electoral system and rebuilt a proportional representation system to save our democracy. BONUS: After the episode, keep listening to hear the first episode of The Future of Our Former Democracy.
Jeff and Phil follow up and welcome back chef Edward Lee -- just two episodes later -- fresh off the finale of the Netflix cooking competition Culinary Class Wars. Spoiler alert! He talks about his grueling journey to the final challenge, including the Endless Cooking Hell, his unexpected new nickname, that incredible dessert dish, and how his cooking throughout the entire show told a personal story about his Korean American identity. Also: Jeff and Phil offer The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Culinary Class Wars.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friend, the one and only Daniel Dae Kim, who stars on Broadway in David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face. He talks about the play's brilliant, meta-comic exploration of race, representation and identity, his uniquely ascendant career as an actor, producer and advocate, and the twentieth anniversary of the role that changed everything for him: Jin on Lost. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being "DDK."
Jeff and Phil welcome award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Edward Lee, who appears as one of the "White Spoon" chefs on Netflix's Korean cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars. He talks about his personal and professional journey as a Korean American chef, how he got recruited to battle it out with 99 other Korean culinary professionals -- including Michelin star chefs, The Bibimbap King, and the chicken mask guy -- and his ideas on the evolution and future of Korean cuisine. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of competing on Culinary Class Wars.
Jeff and Phil welcome back old friend Dino-Ray Ramos to discuss the techno-horror movie AfrAId, starring John Cho. They talk about John Cho's suburban dad thriller era and why it might not be a great idea to surrender every aspect of your family life to artificial intelligence (i.e. it might subscribe you to a meal prep delivery service). Also -- spoiler warning -- The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of AfrAId.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer and performer Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist's Daughter, a memoir about her search for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery. She talks about grief, trauma, body image, her family's strident unwillingness to discuss what happened, and her attempts to find acceptance and purpose elsewhere -- including what turned out to be a cult. A yoga cult. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing The Manicurist's Daughter.
In this special live episode, Jeff and Phil host a post-screening Q&A with Philip Ng, star of the hit Hong Kong action movie Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. He talks about the film's epic throwback to old school action cinema, the fun of playing a wild card villain like King, working alongside legends like Sammo Hung, and who got injured during the filming of Walled In (and why it was kind of Philip's fault). Special thanks to IW Group and Well Go USA.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Sean Wang and actor Izaac Wang, writer/director and star, respectively, of the indie coming-of-age film Dìdi. They talk about capturing the very specific emotional turbulence of Asian American suburban male adolescence, revisiting nostalgia for the 2000s internet AOL Instant Messenger era, and the agonizing and savage curation of one's MySpace "Top 8." Also, they share The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Dìdi.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Jennifer Phang, director of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the latest installment of Disney's massively popular musical teen fantasy film series. They talk about her indie Asian American cinema roots with films like Half-Life and Advantageous, infusing some K-pop sensibility into a beloved and well-established franchise, and crafting the extreme meme-ability of "Jaladdin."
Jeff and Phil welcome writer and race scholar OiYan A. Poon, author of Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations on Race, Affirmative Action and Family. She talks about breaking out of her comfort zone to write a sincere and heartfelt exploration of race relations and affirmative action, the interviews she conducted with Asian Americans who have been actively engaged in policy debates over race-conscious admissions or affirmative action, and the not-so-simple question from her daughter that inspired the title of her book.
Jeff and Phil welcome educator, socialite and etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho, host of the Netflix series Mind Your Manners and author of Mind Your Manners: How to Be Your Best Self in Any Situation. She talks about her cross-cultural, transnational journey to becoming a global etiquette leader and how context and culture are key to understanding etiquette in any social situation. Also, on the matter of wearing shoes in the house -- if you ask Jeff and Phil, it's definitively disgusting -- Sara Jane settles the debate once and for all.
Recorded live at NCORE (National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in Higher Education) in Honolulu! Jeff and Phil welcome Katie Gee Salisbury, author of Not Your China Doll, a biography on the life and career of movie star Anna May Wong. They discuss the "golden age" of Hollywood, the enduring popularity of film sleuth Charlie Chan (who was inspired by real-life Honolulu police detective Chang Apana), The Good Earth, the legacy of yellowface and performance/perception of Chinese-ness.
Jeff and Phil welcome back Shin Yu Pai, poet, museologist and host of Ten Thousand Things, an award-winning podcast about modern-day artifacts of Asian American life. She is joined by Jenny Liou, poet, English scholar and former MMA cage fighter -- and one of the subjects of the latest season of Ten Thousand Things. They talk about Jenny's entry into the sport, the cage as a space of limitation and liberation, and the impossible and contradictory expectations of an Asian American female fighter. Also, stay tuned for "Cage," an extra episode of Ten Thousand Things featuring Shin Yu Pai and Jenny Liou.
BONUS EPISODE! This is Jeff and Phil's full interview with actor Lee Jung-jae, star of Squid Game and the Star Wars series The Acolyte, presented with the unedited Korean audio (and translation by Isue Shin). He talks about joining the Star Wars franchise, making in his English-language acting debut as a Jedi master, and working with the show's young stars. He also gives us The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Acolyte, and even dangles a tiny crumb of news about Squid Game season two. Also be sure to listen to our previous episode, which includes some additional commentary about the interview and Jeff and Phil's takes on The Acolyte.
Jeff and Phil welcome Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, star of Squid Game and the new Star Wars series The Acolyte. Speaking through an interpreter, he talks about joining the iconic Star Wars franchise, making in his English-language acting debut as a Jedi master, and working with the show's young stars. He also gives us The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Acolyte, and even dangles a tiny crumb of news about Squid Game season two. Special thanks to Isue Shin for interpreting this conversation.
Jeff and Phil welcome Adam King and Sam Hyun, co-founders of the Asian American sneaker brand 1587. They talk about their inspiration for starting a company dedicated to "unapologetically Asian American" footwear, and how they're celebrating our community's oft-forgotten or neglected stories through shoes. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of starting an Asian American sneaker company. (This episode is sponsored by the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer and its official companion podcast.)
In Episode 241, recorded live at Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City, Jeff and Phil celebrate the book launch of Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire with author Paula Yoo and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Hyungwon "HK" Kang. They talk about Paula's drive to tell a nuanced and empathetic account of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising, the three families at the center of the unrest -- beyond the headlines and soundbites -- and some of the incredible and heartbreaking untold stories from this incendiary moment for Los Angeles' Black and Korean American communities. (This episode is sponsored by the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer and the official Sympathizer companion podcast.)
In Episode 240, Jeff and Phil welcome writer, stand-up comedian and media studies PhD Grace Jung, author of the book K-Drama School: A Pop Culture Inquiry into Why We Love Korean Television. They discuss the explosion of Korean dramas from bootleg VHS tapes to DramaFever (R.I.P.) to the most popular shows on worldwide streaming services; the wildest K-drama tropes from amnesia to leukemia to kimchi slaps; what makes these shows so irresistibly bingeable, and what can we learn about our societies and ourselves from watching them.
In Episode 239, Jeff and Phil discuss the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, with author Viet Thanh Nguyen and scholar Philip Nguyen, host of the official Sympathizer Podcast. They talk about the meta-upon-meta textual sandwich of adapting this modern classic into an epic television series, that time director Park Chan-wook came over to Viet's house -- hide the octopus! -- and the brilliant decision to cast the "dude playing a dude disguised as another dude" as alllll the white guys in The Sympathizer. BONUS: Keep listening to hear an episode of The Sympathizer Podcast with Robert Downey Jr., Hoa Xuande, Vincent Van Dyke, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Don McKellar.
Jeff and Phil welcome historian and professor Mae Ngai, co-editor of the book Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice, a collection of over 200 photos celebrating the history and cultural impact of the Asian American social justice movement from the lens of late photojournalist and activist Corky Lee. She talks about Corky's calling as "the inundisputed, unofficial Asian American photographer laureate" and his lifelong quest to document, empower and create community change with his camera. Also: Jeff talks about that time he and Corky lost track of time.
Jeff and Phil welcome co-creator/executive producer Alexander Woo and director Derek Tsang, two of the key creators behind the Netflix series 3 Body Problem. They talk about the challenges of adapting Liu Cixin's epic science fiction novels for a global television audience, the authenticity required to re-create a dark moment China's history, who is responsible for what is possibly the best line of dialogue in the entire series, and the painstaking considerations that went into making that one really horrific scene. If you know, you know. Also: The Good, The Bad and The WTF of making 3 Body Problem.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friends Sujata Day (Definition Please, Heroes' Feast) and Dino-Ray Ramos (DIASPORA) to talk about the action revenge thriller Monkey Man, written/directed by and starring Dev Patel. They discuss this new take on storytelling from the South Asian diaspora, this blessed era of the Dev Patel Glow-Up, some of the political, religious and cultural controversy surrounding the movie, and of course, the badass action sequences (both borrowed and new) -- including the moment that had everybody in the movie screaming. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Monkey Man.
Jeff and Phil welcome Pawan Dhingra, associate provost and associate dean of the faculty at Amherst College and current president of the Association for Asian American Studies. He talks about the newly minted AAPI Studies program at Amherst -- the first of its kind for liberal arts colleges -- what's behind the seemingly sudden surge of interest in Asian American Studies, and how the field still needs to grow and expand. Pawan also talks a bit about Kumon, the South Asian stranglehold on the spelling bee, and his incredibly titled book Hyper Education: Why Good Schools, Good Grades, and Good Behavior Are Not Enough.
Jeff and Phil welcome Albert Kim, showrunner of Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. He talks about the epic challenge of adapting the beloved animated series, "remixing" the original show's story elements for the streaming format, the cultural considerations that go into building an Asian-inspired fantasy world (does Iroh have an accent?) and casting Asian and Indigenous actors for these iconic roles. Plus: Jeff divulges Albert's personal email address. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Jeff and Phil welcome Kim Cooper and Scott Okamoto, co-hosts of the podcast Asians in Baseball, just in time for spring training. They discuss the current renaissance of Asian and Asian American players in Major League Baseball; becoming a baseball fan in this extraordinary moment; Shohei Otani's ass; the Lenn Sakata Fan Club; and the unifying love of Kim Ha-Seong. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Asians in baseball.
Jeff and Phil welcome Olivia Cheng and Dianne Doan, stars of the badass action series Warrior (now on Netflix!). They talk about how the show has embodied the fighting spirit of Bruce Lee; some of the initial trepidation and concerns they had about their roles at the beginning of the production; and why Olivia is the Ginger Rogers of Warrior. Also: a guest appearance from Dianne's dog and why Olivia's early role as "Dim Sum Girl #1" actually completes an interesting full-circle moment.
In this special conversation recorded live at Asia Society in New York City, Jeff welcomes newly minted Academy Award nominee Celine Song, writer/director of Past Lives. (Spoiler warning!) They discuss the real-life autobiographical moment that inspired her film's bilingual, bi-cultural center; telling a story about the people who hold and know the different parts of ourselves; and how things might have ended up differently for Nora and Hae Sung if they just had better tech and a stronger internet connection.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Sean Wang, director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary short Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, a love letter to his own grandmothers. He talks about making an unapologetically personal film about the everyday lives of these two extraordinary women, why Wài Pó wields a sword, and the amazing gift of getting to experience the film's success as a family. Also: The Good, The Bad, and WTFarts of making Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó.
Jeff and Phil ring in the Year of the Dragon and welcome back friend, journalist and fellow podcaster Ada Tseng to talk about her Los Angeles Times piece which asked and answered a very important question: Which are the "most Asian" Costcos in Southern California? They discuss why the wholesale chain holds a particular appeal for Asian American shoppers, the specialty items you can only find at the Most Asian Costcos, and the spiritual journey of purchasing Kirkland clothing. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Costco.
Jeff and Phil welcome graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham, who have joined forces for Lunar New Year Love Story, a heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love. They talk about Gene's real-life origins of merging Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year celebrations, the bad dates and relationships that inspired some of their characters' turmoil, and the natural pan-Asian diversity that infuses the cast and community narrative of Lunar New Love Story.
Jeff and Phil welcome back filmmaker Bao Nguyen, director of the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which goes behind the scenes of the fateful, once-in-a-lifetime night in 1985 when music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." He talks about the unique way this iconic pop song transcended cultures and generations, why he told this story like a heist movie, and getting to film at Bruce Springsteen's house. He also may or may not explain Dan Aykroyd's participation in "We Are the World."
Jeff and Phil welcome Justin Chien and Sam Song Li, the stars of the Netflix family crime drama The Brothers Sun. They talk about getting their big shot to play Charles and Bruce -- the titular Brothers Sun; acting opposite the queen herself, Michelle Yeoh; and all the hard work that went into kicking ass (and not getting your ass kicked) in the show's epic fight scenes. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Brothers Sun. (Note: this episode happens to be sponsored by Netflix and The Brothers Sun.)
Jeff and Phil welcome back their favorite usual suspects, Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to do a deep dive into the Netflix family crime drama The Brothers Sun, starring Michelle Yeoh (but not before a brief recap of recent award show happenings, including the Emmys and Golden Globes). They discuss "rice rocket energy," the #1 Seafood Restaurant, why the San Gabriel Valley is the perfect setting for this Asian American gangster show, and their hopes for a second season of The Brothers Sun.
Jeff and Phil welcome back their pals Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA to take one last look back at the year that was, plus a look forward, with a special super-sized edition of The Good, The Bad, and The WTF (What's The Future). They discuss, among other things, the post-Everything Everywhere All at Once Multiverse, messy Asians, controversies, Beef, Past Lives, Joy Ride, Shortcomings, Elemental, hopes, dreams, fears, and much more. This episode is sponsored by the Netflix series The Brothers Sun.
Jeff and Phil close out 2023 and welcome critic and commentator Jae-Ha Kim to talk all things K -- from K-dramas to K-pop, and all the other ways Korean pop culture has spread its infectious K-embrace across the globe. They discuss the best K-dramas of the year (according to Jae-Ha), what happens when BTS takes a break for military service, and the recent tragic death of Lee Sun-kyun. Phil also admits -- nay, declares -- his love of NewJeans. This episode is sponsored by the Netflix series The Brothers Sun.
Jeff and Phil welcome James Wan, filmmaker behind iconic movies like Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring, Furious 7, Aquaman and now, its sequel, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. He talks about his journey from making indie horror flicks to tentpole blockbusters, shares his tricks for avoiding sequel-itis, and attempts to say something bad about Randall Park. Presented in partnership with Gold House.
Jeff and Phil welcome two of the creators behind the Netflix animated action series Blue Eye Samurai, co-creator/co-showrunner Amber Noizumi and supervising director/producer Jane Wu. They discuss some of the personal connections that sparked the tale of mixed race warrior Mizu, bringing a decidedly Asian American take on an Edo-period samurai story, and the lengths they went to assemble the personnel for one of the most badass shows you'll ever see.
Recorded live at Bās Bookshop in Honolulu, Hawaii! Jeff and Phil celebrate the release of Jeff's new book The Golden Screen: The Movies That Made Asian America, which explores the history of Asian Americans on the silver screen, and the iconic films that have shaped Hollywood, representation, and American culture. They talk about why this moment in representation seemed like the right time for this book, how Jeff chose the movies that "made the cut," and a reconsideration (or reimagining) of Long Duk Dong. Also, in The Good, The Bad and The WTF, they offer some unpopular opinions about Asian American cinema. Special thanks to Aly Ishikuni-Sasaki and the team at Bās Bookshop.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old friend Amy S. Choi of The Mash-Up Americans, who talks about starting her podcast/media company with a question ("Why not us?"); bringing the Mash-Up lens to the images and stories that don't get told in overly simplistic news verticals; and the latest season of their podcast, which aims to give you The Ultimate Guide to a Mash-Up Life. Also: stay tuned for a special bonus episode from The Mash-Up Americans featuring one of our favorite individuals on the planet, Randall Park.
Recorded in partnership with the Hawaii International Film Festival. Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Imran J. Khan, writer/director of the indie coming-of-age film Mustache. He talks about facial hair, Alicia Silverstone, telling culturally-specific stories without having to simplify or over-explain for audiences, and the bizarre time traveling that happens when you make a movie about a Muslim American family and community set in the late 1990s.
Jeff and Phil welcome Jessica Yu, director of the comedy Quiz Lady, starring Sandra Oh and Awkwafina. She talks about bringing her diverse directing experience -- including her Academy Award -- to a wacky feature comedy; assembling and working with a team of dream collaborators for Quiz Lady; and how they reworked the original script to better reflect the nuance and layers of these mismatched Asian American sisters. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Quiz Lady.
Recorded in partnership with the Hawaii International Film Festival. Jeff and Phil welcome actor/filmmaker Daniel Wu and HIFF artistic director Anderson Le -- fellow Bruce Lee superfans -- to discuss the fascinating documentary Enter the Clones of Bruce, which explores "Brucesploitation," the unique (and often bizarre) 1970s martial arts film subgenre that exploded in the wake of Bruce Lee's untimely death. They talk about Brucesploitation as a classic supply and demand scenario (powered by "all-look-same" racism), their favorite Bruce lookalikes -- Li, Le, Liang, et al -- and the wildest phases of the Bruce Multiverse. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the Clones of Bruce. This episode is sponsored by the Westside Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors, starring Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu. Use the discount code LSOPOD10 for $10 off tickets.
Recorded in partnership with the Hawaii International Film Festival. Jeff and Phil welcome Lisa D'Apolito, director of the forthcoming documentary Albert Pyun King of Cult Movies, and Anderson Le, Artistic Director of the Hawaii International Film Festival, to talk about the life and career of prolific cult filmmaker Albert Pyun. They discuss Pyun's passion for movie-making by any means necessary, from chasing early cinema dreams in Hawaii, to breakout success with The Sword and the Sorcerer, to his ridiculously extensive 50+ movie resume stuffed with direct-to-video titles like Nemesis, Dollman and Crazy Six. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the films of Albert Pyun. This episode is sponsored by the Westside Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors, starring Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu. Use the discount code LSOPOD10 for $10 off tickets.
Jeff and Phil welcome singer, violinist and multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi, whose latest project is the album and "songfilm" Omoiyari, a musical journey to understand World War II-era Japanese American incarceration, assimilation, and what it means to be a minority in America today. He talks about exploring empathy and compassion through music, drawing parallels between incarceration camps and contemporary treatment of migrants and Muslims, and finding better understanding of his own bi-cultural identity in the process. This episode is sponsored by the Westside Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors, starring Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu. Use the discount code LSOPOD10 for $10 off tickets.
Jeff and Phil welcome Arielle Jacobs and Jose Llana, the stars of the revolutionary new Broadway musical Here Lies Love, an immersive roof-raising disco musical that tells the story of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos. They discuss the unique thrill of performing in this groundbreaking, form-busting theatre experience, their immense pride in being a part of Broadway's first ever all-Filipino cast, and the complicated responsibility of narrativizing this very real history of the Philippines. This episode is sponsored by the Westside Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors, starring Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu. Use the discount code LSOPOD10 for $10 off tickets.
Jeff and Phil welcome Maya Lin Sugarman and James Kim, producers behind the podcast Magnificent Jerk, "the true story—of a fake story—about a real life." They talk about the fascinating life and career of Maya's late uncle Galen Yuen, and the box of his belongings that sent Maya on mission to discover her family’s biggest secrets—including the truth behind the possibly autobiographical screenplay that eventually became a bad B-movie starring.... Rob Lowe, Burt Reynolds, and Ice-T. Also: The Good, The Bad and The WTF of making Magnificent Jerk.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker So Yun Um, director of the feature documentary Liquor Store Dreams, an intimate portrait of two Korean American children of Los Angeles liquor store owners. She talks about confronting popular media depictions of Korean American store owners, turning the camera on herself to tell this deeply personal story, and hitting record during some very tough, heated conversations with her family members. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Liquor Store Dreams.
Jeff and Phil welcome Simon Kent Fung, creator and host of the podcast Dear Alana, an eight-part limited series that tells the story of aspiring nun Alana Chen, who tragically ended her life at the age of 24 after seven years in conversion therapy. Simon talks about telling this gripping, intimate story through the dozens of journals Alana left behind, his own shockingly similar parallel experience with conversion therapy, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being open about who you are. Also: stay tuned for the first episode of Dear Alana from Tenderfoot TV.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor/SAG-AFTRA member Parvesh Cheena and writer/WGA member Liz Hsiao Lan Alper to discuss the respective unions' current and ongoing strikes, which has brought the entertainment industry to a standstill. They discuss the conditions and contract issues that necessitated these labor actions, what work stoppage and picketing has meant for the average (and most marginalized) Hollywood workers, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of being on strike.
Jeff and Phil rewind and revisit their 2019 conversation with filmmaker Valerie Soe, director of the documentary Love Boat: Taiwan, and writer Abigail Hing Wen, author of the bestselling young adult novel Loveboat, Taipei -- now adapted for the screen as the feature film Love in Taipei, starring Ashley Liao and Ross Butler. They discuss the Taiwanese summer cultural program notoriously known as "Love Boat" and why it was the perfect, long overdue moment to tell these stories.
[NOTE: This episode was recorded before the start of the SAG-AFTRA strike. They Call Us Bruce fully supports the actors and writers unions and their fight for fair contracts.] Jeff and Phil welcome Randall Park and Justin H. Min to talk about their new film Shortcomings, based on the 2007 graphic novel by Adrian Tomine. They discuss Randall's directorial debut, parodying Crazy Rich Asians, sandwiches, getting away from the rep sweats and feeling free to make stories about unlovable, messy Asian Americans like Ben Tanaka. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Shortcomings.
[NOTE: This episode was recorded before the start of the SAG-AFTRA strike. They Call Us Bruce fully supports the actors and writers unions and their fight for fair contracts.] Jeff and Phil welcome actor Hoon Lee, who stars as Wang Chao on the action drama Warrior. He talks about playing a character situated between several worlds, getting in on the action, and the unique bond that forms between an all-Asian cast. Also: stay tuned for a special bonus edition of The Official Warrior Podcast, hosted by Lisa Ling and Hoon Lee, on the life and legacy of Bruce Lee.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer Nicole Chung, author of All You Can Ever Know, which tells the story of her adoption and search for her birth family, and A Living Remedy, her memoir about grief and the death of her adoptive parents. They discuss grieving under capitalism, writing and enduring through loss (and a global pandemic), If John Cho Were Your Boyfriend, and why you should never ever ever tell casual strangers that you're a writer. Also: They Good, The Bad, and The WTF of writing your life.
Jeff and Phil welcome director Adele Lim, screenwriters Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, and stars Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu and Sherry Cola -- the team behind the hilarious new comedy JOY RIDE. Recording the morning after the film's world premiere at South by Southwest in Austin, they talk about The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Joy Ride -- a discussion that included, among many things, K-pop, Kumon, Settlers of Catan, Squid Game, trauma outfits, Vancouver weather and what joke went too far.
Jeff and Phil welcome comedian Hari Kondabolu, whose latest standup special VACATION BABY is available on YouTube. He talks about how becoming a parent -- during the pandemic -- informed his act, why Father's Day should be observed on a leap year, burying the hatchet with Hank Azaria in the aftermath of his documentary The Problem with Apu, and why he's got no love for San Diego. Plus: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being a dad. Hint: it involves poop.
Jeff and Phil welcome Peter Sohn and Leah Lewis, director and star, respectively, of the new Disney/Pixar animated feature ELEMENTAL. They talk about drawing from Peter’s own immigrant family and upbringing to tell a deeply personal story, how even anthropomorphic fire and water can make moving and compelling narrative chemistry, and why computer animation still isn’t as simple as punching a button. Plus: The Good, The Bad and The WTF of making Elemental.
With Jeff on vacation, Phil flies solo and welcomes old pal Gene Luen Yang, author of AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, and actor Ben Wang, who stars as Jin Wang in the Disney+ series adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel. They talk about some of the tricky considerations when it came to bringing this beloved book to life, how they updated the story for contemporary television (and contemporary Asian America), and how toy robots and Panda Express can bring people together.
Jeff and Phil celebrate 200 episodes of They Call Us Bruce by welcoming back some good friends and returning guests from Episode 100: actor Daniel Wu, who stars as the Monkey King in Disney's adaptation of AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, and comedian/filmmaker W. Kamau Bell, whose HBO original documentary 1000% ME: GROWING UP MIXED explores multiracial identity though conversations with kids and families. They discuss why the kids are all right, the meme-ification of Bruce Lee, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of having a foot in two worlds. Plus: Phil and Kamau engage in an impromptu Daniel Tiger sing-off.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, They Call Us Bruce is putting a spotlight on some of our podcast friends, so we’re featuring an episode from Modern Minorities, one of our sister podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective. Modern Minorities is trying to solve racism… one conversation at a time. Hosted by Asian American friends Sharon and Raman, Modern Minorities features minority voices for ALL of our majority ears. This is a show about all of you for all of us. On the episode we’re featuring here, Sharon and Raman talk to Gabrielle Berbey, a documentary audio producer and one of the hosts of The Experiment, who actually produced a three-part series about SPAM. And WHY Filipinos love SPAM. Learn more about Modern Minorities and our other Potluck Podcasts at podcastpotluck.com.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, They Call Us Bruce is putting a spotlight on some of our podcast friends, so we’re featuring an episode from Asians in Baseball, one of our sister podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective. Hosted by Scott Okamoto, Kim Cooper, and Naomi Ko, Asians in Baseball is about … Asians in baseball. Each week, they break down what’s notable with the Asian players in professional baseball and then take a deeper dive into the Asians and Asian Americans who have shaped baseball as it is today. On the episode featured here, Scott, Kim and Naomi do indeed discuss Asians in baseball, and do a player profile of legendary hitter Hideki Matsui. Learn more about Asians in Baseball and our other Potluck Podcasts at podcastpotluck.com.
Jeff and Phil welcome back Tze Chun, showrunner behind not one, but two new shows: the animated prequel series GREMLINS: SECRETS OF MOGWAI and the Boots Riley-created absurdist coming-of-age comedy I'M A VIRGO. He talks about spinning new lore from a classic franchise, putting Chinese characters at the center ("unless otherwise noted"), getting to tell "weird" stories about people of color, and making sure fellow Asian American creators get a boost.
Jeff and Phil welcome two of the legions of Asian American women of a certain age who were named after journalist Connie Chung: writer Connie Wang, whose New York Times piece "Generation Connie" put a spotlight on this phenomenon, and cartoonist Connie Sun, one of the many namesakes of the trailblazing newswoman who participated in the "Con Con." They talk about this unique sisterhood, the aspirational qualities of naming your kid Connie, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of being named Connie.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer Sarah Kuhn and artist Arielle Jovellanos, whose new original DC young adult graphic novel GIRL TAKING OVER: A LOIS LANE STORY re-imagines Lois Lane as an Asian American teen tackling a summer internship in the big city. They talk about finding your people, putting an Asian American twist on a beloved legacy character, the dreaded drawing of cars and crowds, and re-directing the scent of stinky lunchbox moments.
Jeff and Phil welcome Shin Yu Pai, award-winning poet, museologist, and host of TEN THOUSAND THINGS, a podcast about modern-day artifacts of Asian American life. They discuss the personal objects and collections that say who we are and where we've been, from Rep. Andy Kim's now-famous blue suit to our precious stuffed loved ones. They also play a special show-and-tell version of The Good, The Bad and The WTF featuring their own Asian American artifacts.
Jeff and Phil welcome amazing sibling duo Alex and Maia Shibutani, two-time Olympic medalist ice dancers and authors of the children's picture book AMAZING: ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS WHO INSPIRE US ALL. They discuss their unique journey growing up as brother/sister teammates on the ice, their evolution as role models and community advocates, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of working with your sibling.
Jeff and Phil welcome Vivian Yoon, host and writer of the podcast K-Pop Dreaming from LAist Studios, a journey through the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, mapped against Vivian's own coming-of-age as a second generation Korean American in Los Angeles. They talk about some of the unknown stories behind K-pop's ascent, how diasporic Korean identity has always been in conversation with K-pop, and how to feel, as Asian Americans, about K-pop's seemingly sudden global dominance and ubiquity. This episode is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more about updated COVID vaccines at vaccines.gov. #WeCanDoThis
Jeff and Phil welcome back the Bruce Crew, perennial favorite guests Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to slice, dice and discuss the Netflix series BEEF. They talk about the evolution and future of Asian American storytelling, the seductive appeal of the worship leader oppa, and what happens when Asian American character are allowed to be their whole, messy, specific selves. Also, stick around for the bonus SPOILER discussion at the end of the episode.
Jeff and Phil welcome Susie An and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, hosts of WBEZ Chicago's Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast. They talk about scheming up the podcast as a shameless, naked excuse to talk to sexy Asians; the public radio hoops they had to jump through to get it made; and why listeners in search of "bold sexual discourse" might be disappointed. And of course, they discuss The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of sexy Asians.
Recorded the day after the 95th Academy Awards, Jeff and Phil welcome perennial favorite guests Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA to debrief and discuss a historic night at the Oscars, for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Daniels -- and Asians in general.
Jeff and Phil welcome Yoko Okumura, Midori Francis and Jolene Purdy, the director and stars, respectively, of the horror/thriller UNSEEN. They discuss the challenges of crafting a story about two people connecting via FaceTime; the unique storytelling dynamic that occurs when a movie, not originally conceived as an Asian American story, is led by a director and two leads who happen to be Japanese American; And The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making UNSEEN (hint: involves bugs).
Jeff and Phil revisit the film EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, now in the thick of awards season and on the cusp of Oscars glory, with an epic super-sized compilation of their previous conversations with Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, Daniel Kwan, and of course, Michelle Yeoh -- who now all happen to be Academy Award nominees.
Jeff and Phil welcome Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman, creators of WHITE SAVIOR, a hilarious comic book spoof of white savior stories (à la The Last Samurai, The Great Wall). They talk about their creative partnership, the unique confidence of white guys, and why the time was right for a samurai skewering of this tired and tiring narrative trope.
Jeff and Phil break format and take a moment to react to the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. This one's kind of raw.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Aneesh Chaganty, writer/director of the hit thriller SEARCHING, and writer/producer of its follow-up feature MISSING. He talks about why 2018's Searching is now a period piece, the seemingly simple but actually super-complicated process of telling a story that unfolds entirely on screens, why he and the team are not in any rush (for now) to make a third movie in the "Searching Cinematic Universe."
Jeff and Phil welcome the new year with one last look back at the year that was, in the kind of super-sized conversation they only reserve for two of their perennially favorite guests: Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of Diaspora. They discuss personal developments, the tired and tiring buzzwords of diversity, and finally falling to COVID-19. They also go three rounds of a special new year edition of The Good, The Bad and The WTF: Boost, Mask and Unknown Variant, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Find an updated COVID vaccine near you at vaccines.gov. #WeCanDoThis.
Jeff and Phil welcome former intelligence officer, security expert, writer/producer and amateur chef(!) Rodney Faraon. In the final episode of an extremely tumultuous year, they discuss a wide range of topics, including Twitter's sad plunge into the toilet, the mishandling of top secret secrets, what it's like to have your CIA career inspire a TV series starring Katherine Heigl, and why risotto is the kiss of death of cooking competitions.
Jeff and Phil welcome singer-songwriter Elizabeth Chan, the world's only full-time recording artist dedicated to original Christmas music -- and still, legally, the "Queen of Christmas." She talks about her prolific output of Christmas music -- an album a year for the past twelve years and counting -- her trademark victory over Mariah Carey to keep the crown, and what it's like to have the holidays in your heart year-round.
Jeff and Phil welcome champion pool player Jeanette Lee, subject of the ESPN documentary 30 FOR 30: JEANETTE LEE VS., and director Ursula Liang. They discuss the career and legacy of the "Black Widow" in professional billiards and beyond, overcoming pain and pressure from all sides when life knocks you down, and approaching the pool table with confidence, swagger, and your whole, authentic, black-clad self.
Jeff and Phil welcome comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who stars in her first HBO comedy special THE INTRUDER. She talks about the actual and metaphorical intruders that inspired her act, going really really really viral on TikTok with the "drop" challenge, blurring the personal and private on stage, and why her grandma deserved a lap dance at Magic Mike Live.
Jeff and Phil welcome some good friends from the Potluck Podcast Collective: Ada Tseng (Los Angeles Times, Saturday School), Scott Okamoto (Asians in Baseball, Chapel Probation), and Kim Cooper (Asians in Baseball, Korean Drama Podcast) to celebrate friendsgiving and play a very special Thanksgiving edition of their signature segment: Thanks, No Thanks and WTF.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker David Siev, director of the documentary BAD AXE, a pandemic portrait of his own family in rural Michigan as they fight to keep their American dream alive. He talks about telling his family's story through the lens of America's very real and very current racial tensions, dealing with actual local white supremacists, and making a documentary that weirdly folded in on itself partway through production.
Jeff and Phil welcome back award-winning actor and writer Maulik Pancholy, who talks about his latest middle grade novel NIKHIL OUT LOUD, a sweet coming-of-age story about a gay Indian American teen. He talks about the anti-gay backlash he received for his first book THE BEST AT IT that inspired this new novel, what it's like to get your book banned by school districts, and the important question at the center of all this controversy that nobody seems to be asking: who's listening to the kids?
Jeff and Phil welcome Raymond Lee, star of NBC's sci-fi drama QUANTUM LEAP. He talks about leaping into the lead role of a lifetime, subverting the notion that time travel is for white people, and why being great at nothing but passably good at a lot of things is perfect for playing Dr. Ben Song.
Jeff and Phil welcome Jay Chen, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s congressional 45th district. He talks about why his Daily Show appearance from 2010 still weirdly remains relevant, his opponent’s increasingly shameless xenophobic and red-baiting attacks, and the benefit of running for congress in a super-Asian district that has so many incredible food options.
Jeff and Phil welcome Kevin Tancheroen, executive producer and director of the Netflix series THAI CAVE RESCUE, which tells the true story of the global rescue effort to save twelve young boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave. He talks about shooting in absurdly wet conditions, reconnecting with his own Thai roots, and prioritizing the soccer team (and the people of Thailand) at the center of this extraordinary story.
Jeff and Phil welcome Frank Chi, director of the documentary short 38 AT THE GARDEN, which chronicles the extraordinary ascendance of Jeremy Lin during his landmark 2012 season with the New York Knicks -- and the fateful game where he dropped 38 points on the Los Angeles Lakers. They look back at the sheer joy of that moment, what it meant for Asian Americans, and why it still resonates ten years later.
Jeff and Phil welcome back friend and filmmaker Tanuj Chopra, director of season two of the Netflix series Delhi Crime. He talks about making the leap from indie films to international television, bringing an insider/outsider perspective to get the tone right, and the future of global storytelling.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor Yuji Okumoto, who stars in season five of Netflix's Cobra Kai as Chozen Toguchi, the role he originated in 1986's The Karate Kid Pt. II. He talks about stepping back into the Karate Kid Cinematic Universe, his (and ours, and everybody's) love for Kumiko, and getting an unexpected redemption arc for his character over thirty years later.
Jeff and Phil welcome bestselling author Jamie Ford, whose latest novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy is described as an "epigenetic love story." He talks about the tragic real life of the first Chinese woman in America, weaving the intricate story of her imagined descendants, and exploring (and perhaps overcoming) inherited intergenerational trauma.
Jeff and Phil welcome Arden Cho, star of The Partner Track, and Helen Wan, author of the original book that inspired the Netflix series. They discuss Helen's real-life career as a corporate attorney that inspired the novel, how Ingrid Yung became Ingrid Yun, and the convergence of timing and talent that finally made this adaptation possible.
Jeff and Phil welcome Arden Cho, star of The Partner Track, and Helen Wan, author of the original book that inspired the Netflix series. They discuss Helen's real-life career as a corporate attorney that inspired the novel, how Ingrid Yung became Ingrid Yun, and the convergence of timing and talent that finally made this adaptation possible.
Jeff and Phil welcome Julie Ha and Eugene Yi, directors of the documentary FREE CHOL SOO LEE, which tells the story of a community's landmark fight to free an innocent man. They discuss the important legacy of the case, why they were compelled to shine a light on this singular moment, the generational responsibility of unearthing our stories.
Recorded live at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena! Jeff and Phil welcome novelist Wesley Chu, author of the epic fantasy The Art of Prophecy. He talks about writing fight scenes, allowing his characters to do what they want to do, and why this wuxia-inspired novel is the story he's been wanting to tell his whole life.
Jeff and Phil welcome congressional candidate Yuh-Line Niou, who is running for the House of Representatives in New York's newly drawn 10th district. She talks about truly representational politics, making the legislative process more accessible for all, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of running for congress.
Jeff and Phil welcome journalist Katherine J. Wu, who covers science as staff writer for The Atlantic. She talks about joining science with storytelling, where we went wrong (and right) with our collective pandemic response, and the most erroneous assumptions we're making about COVID right now. This episode is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Find boosters near you at vaccines.gov. #WeCanDoThis.
In this special bonus episode, Jeff talks to Jo Koy, comedian and star of the movie Easter Sunday. He talks about the execs who told him his Filipino American story was "too specific," getting the backing of none other than Steven Spielberg, and doing it for the culture. For the culture!
Jeff and Phil welcome the man, the myth, the legend: actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who appears in the new movie Easter Sunday. They discuss how Filipino Americans are having a moment, LDP as LDP, achieving "icon" status, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of being ambiguously Filipino.
Jeff and Phil welcome Simran Jeet Singh, scholar, activist and author of the book The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform You Life. He talks about his journey of faith, dad jokes, his refusal to give in to negativity, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of being Sikh.
Jeff and Phil welcome key creatives behind the k-drama/telenovela-inspired narrative podcast rom-com LOVE AND NORAEBANG: co-director Amy S. Choi, co-writer Quincy Cho, and actress Julia Cho. They discuss telling stories with joy and authenticity, and why Randall Park is the perfect voice of Los Angeles.
Recorded live at The Greene Space at WNYC! Sponsored by UBS. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Jeff and Phil welcome tech entrepreneur/thinkers Anil Dash and Ben Sun to talk about Asian American impact on the tech industry (and get nostalgic about Asian Avenue). Part 3 of the in-studio "RISE Conversations" inspired by RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now. Produced with the generous support of UBS.
Recorded live at The Greene Space at WNYC! Sponsored by UBS. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Jeff and Phil welcome writer/comedian Karen Chee and costume designer Minji Kim to talk about Asian American visibility in fashion and entertainment. Part 2 of the in-studio "RISE Conversations" inspired by RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now. Produced with the generous support of UBS.
Recorded live at The Greene Space at WNYC! Sponsored by UBS. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Jeff and Phil welcome chef Dale Talde, food personality Agnes Chung Talde and writer Frankie Huang to talk about the rise of Asian American food culture. Part 1 of the in-studio “RISE Conversations” inspired by RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now. Produced with the generous support of UBS.
Jeff and Phil welcome Kathleen Kim, the puppeteer behind Ji-Young, Sesame Street's first Asian American muppet. She talks about the process of bringing Ji-Young to life, her surprising journey as a puppeteer thus far, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of working on Sesame Street.
Jeff and Phil are still alive! Your hosts return to recap and reset after an extended, unintended hiatus. They discuss their most hectic Heritage Month ever, the suckiness of finally succumbing to COVID-19, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of what they missed over the last two months.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer/director Kate Tsang and actress Miya Cech to talk about their film MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE. They discuss making a different kind of Asian American coming-of-age movie, working with the inimitable Rhea Perlman, and mastering the secrets of sleight of hand.
Jeff and Phil welcome the legendary, incomparable Michelle Yeoh, star of EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. She talks about being the center of the multiverse, embracing absurdity, and the fantastic mediocrity of Evelyn Wang.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer/director Daniel Kwan (one-half of Daniels) and actress Stephanie Hsu to talk about everybody's new favorite film EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. They discuss meaningful pelvic thrusting, why Stephanie is actually a witch, and the exclusive secret origin of "Jobu Tapaki."
Jeff and Phil welcome a generational icon: Ke Huy Quan, who stars in the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. He talks about his humble beginnings as a child actor in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, how Crazy Rich Asians inspired his triumphant return to acting, and how to kick ass with a fanny pack (but not on the first take).
Jeff and Phil welcome back their old friends Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of Diaspora to discuss their new favorite movie, Daniels' multiverse masterpiece Everything Everywhere All at Once. From Ke Huy Quan to butt plugs to hot dog hands, this film has it all and then some.
Jeff and Phil welcome Shirley Li (The Atlantic) and Anita Li (The Green Line) to talk about Meilin Lee and Disney/Pixar's animated feature TURNING RED. They discuss the incredible specificity of this Chinese Canadian story, what makes a film "relatable" and why it's so meaningful to let your teen girl characters go "AWOOGA!"
Jeff and Phil welcome Iris K. Shim, writer/director of the feature film UMMA. She talks about working with the one and only Sandra Oh, incorporating traditional Korean cultural elements into a horror story, and whether or not her own umma will watch her movie.
Jeff and Phil welcome Oscar-winning filmmaker Domee Shi, writer/director of the Pixar animated feature TURNING RED. They discuss making an unapologetically Asian Canadian story, intergenerational drama, releasing the beast within, and accepting your whole self -- even your whole self is a giant red panda.
On the eve of their long-anticipated book release, Jeff and Phil welcome co-author Philip Wang and project manager Jes Vu, their co-conspirators on RISE: A Pop History of Asian America From the Nineties to Now. They discuss behind-the-scenes details on the making of the book, including The Good, The Bad and The WTF.
Jeff and Phil round up The Good, The Bad and The WTF of the week, including Ali Wong's latest standup special, Asian American excellence at the Winter Olympics, anti-Asian violence, Wrong Asians, and taking off your damn shoes inside the house.
Jeff and Phil welcome the one and only Dante Basco. He talks about his directorial debut The Fabulous Filipino Brothers, making a movie with his family -- his entire family -- growing up in Hollywood, and being perpetually linked to iconic characters, including Prince Zuko and, of course, RUFIO.
Jeff and Phil welcome Potluck Podcast pals Ada Tseng (Saturday School) and Raman Sehgal (Modern Minorities, Quarantined Comics) to celebrate the Lunar New Year and discuss superstitions, superheroes, Michelle Yeoh, Lou Diamond Phillips, urine, basement bunkers and utility journalism.
Jeff and Phil welcome award-winning journalist Lisa Ling, host of the new docuseries TAKE OUT WITH LISA LING. She talks about her own family's Chinese restaurant roots, the new ubiquity of Asian cuisines -- and the untold stories behind them, and why she does indeed have the best job in the world.
Jeff and Phil welcome Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston. She talks about breaking barriers as the first woman and first person of color elected to lead her city, hitting the ground running, "getting city hall out of city hall," and embracing both legacy and innovation.
Jeff and Phil welcome Michelle Li, reporter and anchor for KDSK in St. Louis, and Marian Chia-Ming Liu, Operations Editor for the Washington Post. They discuss racist voicemails, reclaiming our Asian names, and the significance of being Very Asian in 2022.
Jeff and Phil return from the holiday "break" and ring in the New Year with one last look back, talking about The Good, The Bad and The WTF of 2021 -- including Marvel movies, squid games, library rockers, big city mayors, licorice pizzas and the damn omicron.
Jeff and Phil welcome entertainment writer/critic friends Hanh Nguyen and Piya Sinha-Roy to catch up and discuss recent pop culture happenings, including Squid Game, Eternals, and Cowboy Bebop. They also play a Thanksgiving edition of their favorite segment: Thankful, Not Thankful and WTF.
Jeff and Phil welcome actress Ally Maki, who stars in the Marvel series Hit Monkey. They discuss making movies and television during the pandemic, embracing the wild weirdness of an animated primate assassin, and creating community of shared identity: Asian American Girl Club.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer Pornsak Pichetshote, creator of the noir crime comic book The Good Asian. They discuss the inspiration behind his Chinese American detective Edison Hark, the real-life history at heart of this hard-boiled mystery, and why The Good Asian, set in 1930s Chinatown, feels like a tale for modern times.
Jeff and Phil welcome journalist Elise Hu, author of the forthcoming book Flawless, and David Yi, found and editor of Very Good Light. They discuss "aggressively Asian" faces, multi-step skincare regiments, and the global rise of K-beauty.
Jeff and Phil welcome mathematician and award-winning science fiction author SL Huang, who also happens to be a stuntwoman, firearms expert, and the first woman to be a professional armorer in Hollywood. They discuss her unique career, the recent tragic firearm incident on the set of Rust, the extensive procedures involved with on-set weapons safety -- and how things can go wrong.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer and friend Kat Chow, author of Seeing Ghosts, a memoir about grief, intergenerational loss, reclaiming your family's story... and taxidermy. She talks about The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of seeing figurative and/or literal ghosts.
Jeff and Phil welcome Naomi Gleit, VP of Product at Facebook, who wrote a personal essay about her multiracial identity. She talks about growing up ethnically ambiguous, finding her voice on issues of identity and race, and embracing the notion that she is neither half Asian nor half Jewish, but fully both.
Jeff and Phil welcome actress Peyton Elizabeth Lee, star of the Disney+ series Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., series creator and showrunner Kourtney Kang, and executive producer Melvin Mar. They talk about crafting a unique contemporary Hawaiian take on the beloved 90s teen doctor series.
Jeff and Phil welcome Justin Chon, the writer, director and star of the dramatic feature BLUE BAYOU. He talks about putting the spotlight on the plight of undocumented adoptees, setting an Asian American story in the South, and crafting films that create empathy -- and change.
Jeff and Phil welcome their old pals Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of Diaspora for a spoiler-filled debrief and discussion of Marvel's SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS. There are many, many mispronunciations.
Jeff and Phil welcome Dave Callaham, the screenwriter behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He talks about the journey of fully embracing his own Asian American identity, getting the call to work with Marvel, and the challenges of adapting the MCU's first Asian American superhero.
Jeff and Phil welcome back Simu Liu, star of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He talks about suiting up as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first Asian leading man, tweeting the role into existence, and seizing his superhero moment.
Jeff and Phil welcome Maggie Q, who stars in the new action film THE PROTEGE. She talks about slipping back into the catsuit, breaking through in Asia before Hollywood, and proving doubters wrong -- especially when it comes to doing her own stunts.
Jeff and Phil welcome Ted Kim, Yong Kim and Han Hwang, aka Seoul Sausage Co., fresh from the finale of Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race All Stars. They talk about returning to reality TV, how gamesmanship took the competition to the next level, and the bowl of egg rice that made a grown man cry.
Jeff and Phil welcome director Justin Lin, chief architect of the Fast & Furious film franchise. He talks about getting back behind the wheel for F9, #JusticeForHan, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of bringing back a beloved character from the dead.
Jeff and Phil welcome Jon M. Chu, who directed the new film adaptation of the hit musical In The Heights. He talks about bringing Lin-Manuel Miranda's vision to the screen, getting the sauce right, and why this is the movie the world needs right now.
Jeff and Phil welcome DC Comics Editor Jessica Chen, the mastermind behind DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration, a new anthology spotlighting Asian superheroes and creators. They discuss why superhero representation matters and do some deep-cut nerding out over Batgirl, Samurai, Jim Lee and more...
Jeff and Phil welcome writer Paula Yoo, author of the young adult book From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement. They discuss the legacy of the case, the incredible amount of research that went into this book, and the importance of chronicling this story for younger generations.
Jeff and Phil welcome actress Kelly Marie Tran, who stars as the titular voice in Raya and the Last Dragon. She talks about getting her life-changing role in Star Wars, the surreal significance of being a Disney princess, and the appropriate response to seeing yourself on a billboard.
Jeff and Phil welcome screenwriters Adele Lim and Qui Nguyen, and head of story Fawn Veerasunthorn, key creators from the Disney animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon. They discuss swords, swearing, and making a movie during a global pandemic.
Jeff and Phil welcome Rep. Grace Meng, who represents New York's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. The congresswoman talks about taking leadership amidst tragedy in the Asian American community.
Happy Angryversary! Jeff and Phil take a moment to observe the 20th anniversary of Angry Asian Man, the blog that started all this. Phil looks back at his beginnings and reflects on his unique view of Asian America over the last two decades.
Jeff and Phil welcome former FBI agent, lawyer, CNN commentator and Yale lecturer Asha Rangappa. She talks about kicking down doors, the rise of right-wing extremism, and how a girl from Virginia became the first Indian American female agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jeff and Phil welcome Nick Cho, aka "Your Korean Dad" of viral TikTok fame. He talks about his journey from coffee professional to making videos on social media, to becoming an affirming father figure to 2 million followers and counting.
Jeff and Phil welcome Eric Bauza, the new voice of Bugs Bunny. They discuss issues of diversity and inclusion in voice acting, cracking the code of a good impression, and how a Filipino kid from Canada ended up as the voice of animation's most wascally wabbit.
Jeff and Phil welcome producer/friend Jes Vu and Salon culture editor Hanh Nguyen to discuss the new HBO Max reality show HOUSE OF HO. They talk about actual crazy rich Asians, family dysfunction, airing out your dirty laundry, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of Asian Americans on reality television.
Jeff and Phil welcome New Zealand writer/activist Tze Ming Mok. She talks about her country's complicated racial politics, what it's like to live under a functional government that has had a handle on COVID-19, and what her view of America looks like right now. (It's not good.)
Jeff and Phil welcome blogger Jenn Fang and columnist Aisha Sultan to discuss the historic election of Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States, the troubling truth about Trump supporters and the American electorate, and the amazing gift of Four Seasons Total Landscaping.
Jeff and Phil welcome Alice Gu, director of the feature documentary THE DONUT KING, and Mayly Tao, proprietor of DK's Donuts, to discuss the incredible story donuts, refugee hustle, and the one guy responsible for the Cambodian American stronghold on donut shops on the west coast.
Jeff and Phil welcome photographer Andria Lo and writer Valerie Luu, the authors behind CHINATOWN PRETTY, a blog and book capturing the unique street style of Chinatown seniors. They discuss the art of chasing down pretty poh pohs to take their photo.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Diane Paragas, writer/director of the new movie Yellow Rose. She talks about the long journey to bring her story to the screen, how she cast the film's incredible star Eva Noblezada, and why country music is so cinematic.
Jeff and Phil welcome Daniel Chong, creator of the hit animated series We Bare Bears. They discuss the bittersweet end of the show, the very real-world issues in We Bare Bears: The Movie, and how a cartoon about a trio of bear brothers can inspire empathy and understanding in these dark times.
Jeff and Phil welcome Quoc Bao Tran, writer/director of the new kung fu comedy THE PAPER TIGERS. He talks about the long journey to make this film, why this had to be an Asian American story, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of getting too old for this s**t.
Jeff and Phil welcome Sujata Day, who wrote, directed, produced and starred in the new film DEFINITION PLEASE. She talks about the failed spelling bee word that haunts her, taking the plunge (and calling all her friends) to make her first feature, and revealing a certain co-star's... assets.
Jeff and Phil welcome design/technology writer Gregory Han, who has been participating in a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine. They discuss what it will take to end the virus, what the world might look like on the other side, and if karaoke will survive coronavirus.
In their longest episode ever, Jeff and Phil welcome Rebecca Sun and Frankie Huang to talk about Disney's live action adaptation of Mulan. They discuss The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of the film, as well as how they'd adapt the tale differently.
Jeff and Phil welcome Kevin Gan Yuen, an employee of the United States Postal Service. He talks about getting into the "family business," reveals the weirdest things people send via mail, and gives us The Good, The Bad and The WTF of working for USPS.
Jeff and Phil welcome Anna John and Arun Venugopal to discuss the historic nomination of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate -- the first woman of color on a major party ticket. They talk about multiracial identity, representation, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of an Indian American Vice President.
Resurrected and salvaged from audio limbo! Jeff and Phil welcome the legendary Tsai Chin, star of the feature film LUCKY GRANDMA, along with writer/director Sasie Sealy and co-writer Angela Cheng. They discuss why a 85-year-old Chinese grandma was the perfect star for a Chinatown gangster caper.
In this special crossover episode, Jeff and Phil join forces with "Becoming Less Racist: Lighting the Path to Anti-Racism" with Simran Jeet Singh. They talk about anti-Asian racism in the time of COVID, the model minority myth, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of becoming less racist.
Becoming Less Racist: Lighting the Path to Anti-Racism
https://religionnews.com/becoming-less-racist/
Simran Jeet Singh
Twitter: @SikhProf
Jeff Yang
Twitter: @originalspin
Phil Yu
Twitter: @angryasianman
angryasianman.com
They Call Us Bruce
Twitter: @TheyCallUsBruce
Jeff and Phil facilitate a deep appreciation of an Asian American icon: Claudia Kishi of THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB. They welcome Naia Cucukov, Executive Producer of the new Netflix series; Jade Chang, writer of "Claudia and Mean Janine"; and Sue Ding, director of the documentary short THE CLAUDIA KISHI CLUB.
Jeff and Phil welcome Asian American adoptees Dan Matthews and Grace Newton to share their stories, discuss recent adoption-related controversies in the news, and complicate the narrative around issues of international and transracial adoption.
In part two of this special double-sized 100th episode, Jeff and Phil welcome actor Daniel Wu and comedian W. Kamau Bell to help celebrate their podcast milestone and nerd out over their shared love of -- who else -- Bruce Lee.
Episode 100! Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Bao Nguyen, director of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary BE WATER, which explores -- from a decidedly Asian American perspective -- the groundbreaking journey of martial arts icon Bruce Lee.
Jeff and Phil welcome Lynn Chen, who wrote, directed, produced and stars in the movie I WILL MAKE YOU MINE. She talks about getting the "band" back together, the song that almost busted her budget, and completing the most low-budget movie trilogy ever.
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Renee Tajima-Pena, producer of the epic new PBS documentary series ASIAN AMERICANS. She talks about the stories no one tells you, how history repeats itself, and the challenges of condensing 150 years of history into a five-hour public television series.
Jeff and Phil welcome Andrew Ahn, director of the feature drama DRIVEWAYS, starring Hong Chau. He talks about making a movie to come out to his parents, getting accepted to the "Harvard" of film festivals, and working with the late Brian Dennehy on one of his last roles.
Jeff and Phil welcome Alice Wu, writer/director of the new Netflix feature THE HALF OF IT. They discuss her long-awaited follow-up to SAVING FACE, how her coming-of-age film speaks to Trump's America, and the $1000 check that scared her out of writer's block.
Jeff and Phil welcome Clement Chow, who contracted the coronavirus and was hospitalized with COVID-19. Fresh from quarantine, he shares about his experience in the ICU, making it to the other side, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of surviving the disease.
Jeff and Phil welcome Alan Yang, writer/director of the Netflix film TIGERTAIL. They discuss why he wanted to make this multigenerational family saga, the golden age of Tzi Ma as Asian America's dad, and the Good, Bad and WTF of telling immigrant stories.
Jeff and Phil welcome Yul Kwon, winner of Survivor: Cook Islands, who is back competing on the show's current season, Survivor: Winners at War. They discuss the "race war," Yul's reasons for returning to reality television, and if/how they'd all survive in a zombie apocalypse.
Jeff and Phil welcome Stephen Dypiangco, co-founder of Dadventures, and Theresa Kim Yang, educator and literary coach. They discuss parenting through the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to find normalcy while everything is definitely not normal.
Wash your hands. Stay home. Don't be racist. With this global pandemic underway, Jeff and Phil welcome Dr. Esther Choo to offer her perspective on the COVID-19 health crisis. They also break down The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of social distancing.
Jeff and Phil welcome blogger and scientist Jenn Fang, founder of Reappropriate.co. They talk about COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus, and the social, cultural and public health implications of the current global outbreak. How's everybody feeling? Cough cough.
Jeff and Phil check in to catch up and discuss The Good, The Bad and The WTF of recent weeks, including Parasite's historic night at the Oscars, the bittersweet end of Fresh Off The Boat, and Trump's truly terrible take on movies.
Jeff and Phil welcome back their good friend, acclaimed graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang. He talks about his latest books DRAGON HOOPS, which follows the true story of a high school basketball team's championship season, and SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN, which pits the Man of Steel against hooded racists.
Happy New Year! Jeff and Phil get back into it, just in time to debrief this year's Academy Award nominations. They talk about all the love for PARASITE, the lack of love for THE FAREWELL, and why the hell Scarlett Johansson got nominated twice.
Jeff and Phil welcome friends from the north: Jean Yoon and Andrea Bang, stars of the hit Canadian sitcom KIM'S CONVENIENCE. They talk about their newfound recognition as TV stars, this Moment that Korea is having, and The Good, The Bad and WTF of family.
Jeff and Phil talk to director Destin Daniel Cretton about his new film JUST MERCY, which tells the true story of death row defense attorney Bryan Stevenson. He also drops a few hints about an upcoming little Marvel movie called SHANG-CHI.
Jeff and Phil welcome TV writer Liz Alper to talk about the plight of assistants in the entertainment industry and organizing #PayUpHollywood. And then they geek out about Bong Joon Ho's PARASITE.
Recorded live at the Edison Theatre in Long Beach! For this special Thanksgiving-themed episode, Jeff and Phil welcome friends Tess Paras, Thuc Doan Nguyen and Shirley Li to talk politics, culture and the year in Asian America.
Jeff and Phil welcome Brian Hu, artistic director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, to talk about the challenges and considerations of curating the Los Angeles Times' list of the 20 best Asian American films of the last 20 years. Film geekery ensues.
We're talking about LOVE BOAT! Jeff and Phil discuss the infamous Taiwanese culture/language study tour with Valerie Soe, director of the documentary LOVE BOAT: TAIWAN, and Abigail Hing Wen, author of the forthcoming young adult novel LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor, advocate and author Maulik Pancholy, who talks about THE BEST AT IT, his new novel for young readers. They discuss 30 Rock, camel nuggets, Snake Americans, being true to yourself, and the Good, Bad and WTF of being The Best.
Jeff and Phil welcome Sophia Chang, who talks about her many identities: former manager of some of hip hop and R&B's greatest acts, kung fu practitioner, daughter of Korean immigrants, and now, author of the new audio memoir The Baddest Bitch in the Room.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor Manny Jacinto, best known for playing Jason Mendoza on The Good Place. They talk about his stereotype-busting breakthrough role, the work ethic of Tom Cruise, and what it's like to play the dumbest character on television.
Recorded live at Cal Poly Pomona! Jeff and Phil welcome author/activist Helen Zia. They discuss the tumultuous forces of history and migration that inform her latest book, Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution.
Jeff and Phil talk to Peilin Chou, Chief Creative Officer of Pearl Studios and producer of ABOMINABLE, currently the number one movie at the box office. They talk about the unique challenges of creating a Chinese animated feature with global appeal.
Jeff and Phil check in and debrief The Good, The Bad and The WTF of This Week in Yang, including a certain clan competing on Family Feud, recent casting developments on Saturday Night Live, and the rising visibility of a presidential candidate.
Jeff and Phil welcome Constance Wu. She talks about skyrocketing to stardom on Fresh Off the Boat, the steep learning curve of being in the spotlight, the loneliness of her new film Hustlers, and yes, those tweets.
Jeff and Phil welcome Alex Woo, co-creator and showrunner of AMC's The Terror: Infamy. They discuss the responsibility and challenges of telling the story of Japanese American incarceration, and The Good, The Bad and WTF of scary Asian stories.
Jeff and Phil talk to Lulu Wang, writer/director of the acclaimed indie film The Farewell, now in theaters everywhere. She talks about telling a story "based on an actual lie" and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of making this deeply personal film.
Jeff and Phil debrief the big announcement out of Comic-Con: Simu Liu is Shang-Chi, Marvel's Master of Kung Fu! They also pour one out for the recent death of the live-action Akira remake (again).
Jeff and Phil discuss The Good, The Bad and The WTF of what's going on in Asian America, including The Farewell, Scarlett Johansson's dumbshit comments, and the perpetual gut punch of "go back to where you came from."
Jeff and Phil welcome actress/comedian/writer Kulap Vilaysack to talk about her deeply personal feature documentary ORIGIN STORY. They discuss unearthing family secrets, making art from trauma, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of airing out your dirty laundry.
Recorded live at NCORE in Portland, Jeff and Phil welcome back Soleil Ho, restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. They talk race, culture, politics, identity and, of course, food.
Jeff and Phil offer their honest takes on the new Netflix romantic comedy ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, starring Randall Park and Ali Wong. Spoiler warnings all around. Best believe we punched Keanu Reeves.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor Randall Park and writer Michael Golamco to talk about ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, their new Netflix romantic comedy with Ali Wong. They discuss The Good, The Bad and The WTF of making an awesome Asian American movie with your friends.
Jeff and Phil talk authenticity and appropriation with journalist Angela Hui, the only East Asian person in attendance at a recent preview event for Gordon Ramsay's "vibrant Asian eating house" Lucky Cat. Her take: "It was an actual kitchen nightmare."
Jeff and Phil offer their impressions, praises and critiques of Cinemax's WARRIOR, the new western/eastern action drama inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee. (Spoiler alert: they really like it.)
Jeff and Phil welcome Shannon Lee, CEO of Bruce Lee Family Companies and the daughter of our show's namesake, Bruce Lee. She talks about her father's incredible legacy and the original vision that became the basis for the Cinemax action series WARRIOR.
Recorded live at SXSW! In partnership with DoorDash, Jeff and Phil welcome MasterChef Season 9 contestants Ashley Mincey and Farhan Momin to chat about cooking, family, culture, authenticity and "ethnic food."
Recorded live at SXSW! In partnership with the Austin Asian American Film Festival, Jeff and Phil host an Asian American trivia quiz show, with special guests Simu Liu, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jonny Sun, Nancy Wang Yuen, Chloe Dao and PJ Raval.
Jeff and Phil welcome Canadian actors Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim's Convenience) and Samantha Wan (Second Jen). They discuss the unique flavor and challenges of telling stories north of the border, and The Good, The Bad and The WTF of being Asian Canadian.
Jeff and Phil welcome performer and blogger Erin Quill, the fierce, hilarious voice behind Fairy Princess Diaries. They discuss objectionable details about BBC's upcoming Asian-themed children's series, Living With the Lams.
Jeff and Phil ring in the Lunar New Year by welcoming a new member to the They Call Us Bruce team, Nick Song. Testing out a new format, they discuss The Good, The Bad and WTF of the week in Asian America.
Jeff and Phil welcome writer/filmmaker Tze Chun, who talks about his journey from directing independent film to writing for network television, to his latest venture, co-creating the new comic book publisher TKO Studios.
Jeff and Phil welcome Traci Lee of NBC Asian America to discuss the "13 moments in Asian America that moved us in 2018" and take one last look back at The Good, The Bad and The WTF of the year that was.
Recorded live at Asian American Culture Con @ Pacific Media Expo! Jeff and Phil welcome animation storytellers Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears), Victor Cook (Stretch Armstrong), Dan Santat (The Replacements) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Ralph Breaks the Internet).
Recorded live at Asian American Culture Con @ Pacific Media Expo! Jeff and Phil welcome actors Keiko Agena (The First), Jake Choi (Single Parents) and Ryan Potter (Titans) to talk about The Good, The Bad and the WTF of being Asians on TV.
Recorded live at the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance Summit, Jeff -- flying solo without Phil -- talks to Sharmila Sen, author of the book Not Quite Not White: Losing and Finding Race in America.
Jeff and Phil welcome playwright Qui Nguyen, who talks about the true life origins of his acclaimed play VIETGONE, the small town video store pop culture that defined him, and the super secret material he's been working on for Marvel.
Jeff and Phil discuss "All The Asians on TV." With the new television season underway, here's a rundown of actors of Asian descent who are series regulars on new scripted prime time network, cable and streaming shows premiering this fall.
Jeff and Phil take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on making it to 50 episodes of They Call Us Bruce. They look back at the Good, the Bad and the WTF of the first fifty shows, consider the future, and make A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
Jeff and Phil welcome journalist, activist and author Jose Antonio Vargas, "the most famous undocumented immigrant in America." They talk about his new book DEAR AMERICA, intersectional identity, and the Good, Bad and WTF of being "American."
Jeff and Phil welcome filmmaker Tanuj Chopra and actress Grace Su to talk about their feature STAYCATION ahead of the film's world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival. They discuss, among other things, the Good, Bad and WTF of being "hella indie."
Recorded live at Sony studios, Jeff and Phil welcome John Cho, star of the new thriller Searching. They discuss the film's inventive storytelling conceit, his unique leading man status, and the Good, Bad and WTF of being John Cho.
In this super-sized episode, Jeff and Phil welcome Jen Yamato of the Los Angeles Times and (first repeat guest) Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter to dish and debrief their reactions to the biggest movie of the year, Crazy Rich Asians.
Jeff and Phil welcome "international" comedian Ronny Chieng, who talks about going from law school to standup, getting a correspondent gig on The Daily Show, and being back in his home country for a major pop culture moment: Crazy Rich Asians.
Recorded at C3: Conference for Creative Content at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Jeff and Phil moderate a panel discussion with director Jon M. Chu, screenwriter Adele Lim, and cast members Nico Santos and Chris Pang of CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
Jeff and Phil welcome Will Choi, the multi-hyphenate mastermind behind the hit Asian American variety show ASIAN AF. They discuss improv, the art of trolling Scarlett Johansson, and the Good, Bad and WTF of the Asian American hustle.
Jeff and Phil welcome California State Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate John Chiang. He talks about being the "no drama" candidate, how family tragedy informed his passion for service, and the Good, Bad and WTF of running for Governor of California.
Jeff and Phil welcome San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim to talk about her bid for mayor. They discuss the hotly contested sprint to election day, the issues that divide and unite us, and the Good, Bad and WTF of running for Mayor of San Francisco.
Jeff and Phil welcome celebrated playwright David Henry Hwang to talk about his form-busting new "play with a musical" SOFT POWER. They discuss political fantasies and realities, Hillary Clinton as a romantic lead, and that time DHH got stabbed.
Jeff and Phil welcome T.K., aka "The Korean," the blogger behind Ask a Korean! They discuss recent historic developments on the Korean peninsula, the long road that got us here, and the possibility of a reunified Korea.
Jeff and Phil welcome journalism student Mariel Padilla, who, at 23 years old, just won a Pulitzer Prize for The Cincinnati Enquirer's coverage documenting Cincinnati's heroin epidemic.
Jeff and Phil welcome to playwright Lauren Yee and performer Jane Lui, fresh off the world premiere run of their groundbreaking play Cambodian Rock Band, which joins the story of Cambodia's darkest hour with the incredible sounds of psychedelic surf rock.
Jeff and Phil welcome April Reign, creator of the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. Recorded on the eve of the 90th Academy Awards, they discuss Black Panther, the tired old excuses of the Hollywood establishment, and where the movement is headed.
Jeff and Phil welcome Hannah Yu - Phil's sister - fresh off the plane from South Korea, where she attended the Winter Games in PyeongChang. From triple axels to twizzles to mctwists, they discuss the Olympic triumphs and trials of Team Asian America.
Jeff and Phil welcome Tanzila 'Taz' Ahmed, activist, storyteller, and co-host of the #GoodMuslimBadlimPodcast. They talk about romantic comedies, Muslim Valentine's Day Cards, and that time Taz brought a fake date to an ex's wedding.
Recorded live at the David Henry Hwang Theater, Jeff and Phil join playwright Alice Tuan and actress Amy Hill for a panel discussion, "Asian American Representation: The Politics of Casting," presented by Center Theatre Group and East West Players.
Jeff and Phil welcome champion figure skater and coach Tiffany Chin, who talks about her journey to becoming "The First Great Asian American Hope" of skating, the state of the sport, and why so many Asian Americans are now excelling on the ice.
Jeff and Phil discuss the pop culture legacy of Star Wars, offer some non-spoilery thoughts on The Last Jedi and their favorite new character played by Kelly Marie Tran, and then throw down a super spoilery edition of The Good, The Bad and The WTF.
Jeff and Phil welcome CB Lee, author of the YA superhero novel Not Your Sidekick. They discuss Claudia Kishi of the Babysitters Club, the questionable curious true identity of Akira Yoshida, and the complexities of authorship and authenticity.
Recorded on the eve of Thanksgiving from three different parts of the continent, Jeff and Phil welcome chef and food writer Soleil Ho, co-host of the podcast Racist Sandwich. They discuss food and thanks, as well as the Good, Bad and WTF of Thanksgiving.
Live from the San Diego Asian Film Festival! Jeff and Phil welcome fellow Potluck podcasters Marvin Yueh and Ada Tseng to pitch our hypothetical "unicorn" Asian American movie projects to studio execs Fritz Friedman and Paula Madison.
Jeff and Phil welcome friend and fellow geek Keith Chow, founder of the Nerds of Color empire. They talk about the rise of nerd culture, bad adaptations, and the changing face of fandom.
Happy Halloween! Jeff and Phil welcome cosplayer/superfan Laura Sirikul and Boom Studios' Arune Singh. They discuss racist costumes, seeing yourself represented in pop culture, and the Good, the Bad and the WTF of Halloween costumes.
Jeff and Phil welcome their good friend, actor Randall Park, aka "Asian Jim." He reflects on the fourth(!) season of Fresh Off The Boat, shares almost nothing about Ant-Man & The Wasp, and considers the Good, the Bad and the WTF of being "Asian Famous."
Jeff and Phil discuss Jeremy Lin's hair. Yes, his hair. Specifically, the recent dustup over our favorite Asian American point guard's decision to sport dreadlocks, and where it's situated in the larger conversation about cultural appropriation.
Jeff and Phil welcome longtime pal, performance artist and culture jammer Kristina Wong. They talk about trolling dudes with yellow fever, How Not to Pick Up Asian Chicks, and the Good, the Bad and WTF of Dating While Asian.
Jeff and Phil talk TV and #ExpressiveAsians with Nancy Wang Yuen, author of the book Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism, and co-author of "Tokens on the Small Screen," a comprehensive new report on AAPI representation on television.
Jeff and Phil welcome Esther Yu-Hsi Lee, immigration reporter for ThinkProgress and a Dreamer herself, to discuss the personal and community impact of immigration policy on the heels of Trump's decision to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Having now ni hao'd their way into your hearts, Jeff and Phil recap, and revisit the first 20 episodes of They Call Us Bruce. Then they welcome friend and fellow podcaster Minji Chang (Kollabcast, First of All), for a round of The Good, The Bad and The WTF.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor Philip Ng, who plays Bruce Lee in Birth of the Dragon. He talks about the premature controversy around the film, his approach to playing an icon, and some of the big differences between Hong Kong and Hollywood action.
Jeff and Phil got an early look at Birth of the Dragon, the upcoming action flick inspired by Bruce Lee's most famous fight. They offer their takes on Bruceploitation, fan fiction, Some White Dude, and why this movie is absolutely not a biopic.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor/producer Brian Yang and director Evan Jackson Leong, who talk about the hustle of independent filmmaking, finding themselves in the middle of Linsanity and making their latest project, the crime drama 'Snakehead.'
Recorded live in Little Tokyo as part of Asian American ComiCon, Jeff and Phil talk to legendary actor, activist and icon George Takei, who discusses art, politics and love, and plays along with a very special edition of The Good, The Bad and The "OH MY."
Recorded live at Opodz in Little Tokyo, Jeff and Phil welcome former Top Chef contestant Shirley Chung, who talks about her lifelong love of food, cooking with her heart and soul on TV's top culinary competition, and finally getting approval from her mom.
Jeff and Phil welcome comedian/writer Jenny Yang and Eater NY News Editor Serena Dai to discuss food, culture and things that make you say "Yo, I don't know about that" -- including a white chef who serves up sushi with a fake Japanese accent.
Jeff and Phil welcome Simon Tam, front man for The Slants. He talks about the eight-year fight to trademark their band name, the landmark Supreme Court ruling in their favor, and the important right for Asian Americans to call ourselves whatever we want.
Jeff and Phil celebrate Heritage Month, ahem, eleven months early, discussing the complexities of Asian American identity and community with Professors Karthick Ramakrishnan and Jennifer Lee of the National Asian American Survey.
Jeff and Phil welcome Rep. Ted Lieu, who represents California's 33rd district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He talks about getting into politics, being a leader in the resistance, and taking down Trump one tweet at a time.
Recorded with a live studio audience at the offices of TBWA/Chiat/Day, Jeff and Phil welcome young actors Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen, who play brothers Eddie, Emery and Evan on ABC's Fresh Off The Boat. Yeah, we called in that favor.
Jeff and Phil welcome actor/writer Kelvin Yu, who plays Brian on Netflix's Master of None. He talks about being inspired by Ben Vereen, escaping the trap of the TV legal drama, and his newfound status as a hottie on a "top tier" streaming series.
Jeff and Phil geek out with acclaimed comic book creators Gene Luen Yang and Greg Pak, who talk about diversity in comics, new takes on iconic characters, and who would win in a fight: Asian Hulk or Asian Superman?
"Live" from the LAAPFF podcast lounge! Jeff and Phil welcome filmmakers Justin Chon (GOOK) and Grace Lee (K-TOWN '92) to discuss their work and reflect on the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.
Jeff and Phil discuss the state of Asian American independent cinema, the significance of movies like Better Luck Tomorrow, and why it's still so hard for Asian American films to break through.
Jeff and Phil present the inaugural edition of "They Ask Us Qs," in which they answer listener-submitted questions with the assistance of special guests Amy Anderson and Shii Ann Huang.
Jeff and Phil welcome Lilan Bowden, who stars as Bex in the new Disney Channel series Andi Mack. She reveals all the secrets.
Jeff and Phil welcome The Hollywood Reporter's Rebecca Sun and writer Sarah Kuhn to talk about the next-level whitewashing in the live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.
Jeff and Phil welcome Iron Fist actor/martial artist Lewis Tan to discuss kung fu flicks and drink Hello Kitty wine.
Hosts Jeff Yang and Phil Yu introduce They Call Us Bruce, an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.