Let's Talk with YuTsai: Recent Episodes
Yu Tsai
I'm Yu Tsai, welcome to Let’s Talk, a place for Open Conversations. As a very curious person, I have been blessed with a career as a biologist, creative director, commercial director, celebrity and fashion photographer, TV personality and the host of a food series. Throughout my journey I have met the most inspiring people and heard the amazing stories they carry. Because of my background and experience, I invite them to join me on Let’s Talk to celebrate the work of immigrants, marginalized in media, the Asian and the LGBTQ communities. I learn from each conversation, and I hope you do.
Young Chang is the founder of A-Sha Dry Noodle. He's an entrepreneur with an extensive resume, who left a corporate career to start a business near to his heart.
He's an incredible ambassador with the foods created by A-Sha, delicious Taiwanese noodles created in Tainan using a 100 year old tradition. He's become a global success story while honoring his heritage.
Lisa Ling is an award winning journalist, author, and media personality, and she has always been an inspiration for me. In 2020, Lisa challenged me to dig deeper into dialogue about AAPI empowerment, immigrant stories, and marginalized Americans. Here is our open conversation.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today's guest is Irene Chen from Parker Thatch, known for their chic handbags, accessories and jewelry. Parker Thatch started in the early 2000's making high quality goods, with simplicity and elegance.
But I'm interested in how an Asian woman, immigrant, and mother had the courage to build a thriving business.
Colton Haynes is an actor, famous for roles Jackson Whittemore in MTV's Teen Wolf and Roy Harper in CW's Arrow. He's adding a new title to his list of accomplishments, Author.
His memoir titled "Miss Memory Lane" takes you on his beautifully raw and honest journey from Kansas to Hollywood.
Eric Buterbaugh's floral and fragrance brand is synonymous with the high end luxury lifestyle. He has established himself as the most prominent florist in the world, describing his work as “opulent flowers presented in a modern way." He outlines his journey for us and his keys to living authentically and unapologetically.
Jerome LaMaar, the Style Monk, is an inspiration. A polymath, futurist, a creative director, a designer, a stylist, and a manifester, with a magical and up-lifting personality, they create with an easy understanding, a deep sense of knowing about themself. Jerome is very generous about describing the creative path and manifesting safe space.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Francis Lam is a classically trained chef, long time food journalist and cookbook editor and has hosted the Splendid Table since 2017, for which he has won many awards including four James Beard Awards.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Joanne Molinaro, also known as the Korean Vegan, has garnered a lot of attention (and 2 million Tik Tok followers) for her incredible ability to tell beautiful, poignant stories that come directly from her heart.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Eric Rutherford is a model, actor, activist, and content creator with a career spanning nearly four decades. He currently hosts his own podcast, Not Just Pretty Pictures, which utilizes storytelling to explore different viewpoints and lifestyles.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Actress, Model, Dancer, Activist : Leyna Bloom is nothing short of amazing. This year, I was fortunate enough to photograph this trailblazer, who has become the first transgender Black and Asian-American Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Editorial Director and Content Strategist, Bethany Heitman is a prolific contributor to top publications. Her take on women's issues and commitment to empowering content has made her an in demand voice and strong advocate.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chef Thomas Raquel is Executive Pastry Chef at Eric Ripert's celebrated, three star Michelin restaurant La Bernadin. He was taught to cook by his Filipino grandmother and worked hard through culinary school before ascending to his esteemed role.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Kathleen Hou is the beauty director of NY Magazine's the Cut and has been featured on NPR, and in numerous publications including Vogue India, Allure, and Conde Nast Traveler. As an Asian American woman, her voice is important to expand the dialogue in the beauty industry.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
My friend J. Alexander, also known as Miss J. has always lived his life with complete authenticity. J and I have had many conversations about race and allyship for the Black community and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Julianna Margulies is an award winning actress best known for roles in ER and The Good Wife, but she has just published a very moving memoir: Sunshine Girl : An Unexpected Life.
Her book is a very candid look at her upbringing in an unconventional home. I'm thrilled to discuss her story.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Cat Cora is a force of nature. The first female winner of Food Network's Iron Chef and the first female inductee into the American Academy of Chef's Hall of fame, she's also an advocate for the LGBTQAI+ community, and a humanitarian founding "Chefs for Humanity".
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Johnny Wujek is a celebrity stylist, costume designer, and creative director renowned for his work with Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Niki Minaj, and Brittney Spears. His work on the HBO show Legendary, spreads the message of the underground phenomenon known as Ballroom Culture.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Ying Chu is the ground breaking beauty director, Creative & Digital Marketing Consultant, Editor, Writer, and Luxury Brand Strategist who made a name for herself with her work with Violet Grey, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, and many other media outlets. In her work she always strives to bring diversity and her perspective as an Asian-American woman.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Aarti Sequeira is a breath of fresh air in food media, winner of the sixth season of The Next Food Network Star in 2010. Her show Aarti Paarty is a platform to demystify Indian cuisine and share fusion recipes. As a woman of Indian descent with an unassuming attitude toward preparing food, she brings something special to the table and has been a staple on Food Network.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Kalaya'an Mendoza is an activist, organizer, and strategist in nonviolent direct action, and has spent the twenty years of his life fighting for social justice. I first encountered his work, in an impactful poster that he created, declaring "Asians for Black Lives" in a powerful show of solidarity.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chris Do is a designer and educator, marketer, director, and CEO and Chief Strategist of the design firm Blind. As an educator, his ambitious mission statement is to teach 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Barbara Dumetz's pioneering advertising images for the likes of Coca Cola, Delta, and McDonalds brought diversity to the mainstream and embraced inclusion long before it was popular.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Creative Director Nicola Formichetti, is best known for his work with Diesel, Lady Gaga, Mugler, and Uniqlo, but the Japanese-Italian artist, has worked hard to embrace authenticity and develop his point of view.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Justin Pichetrungsi, is the owner of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks CA, a popular neighborhood favorite opened by his father in 1981. Justin is a concept designer balancing his commercial art career and his family's modern Thai restaurant.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Model and entrepreneur Olivia Culpo graced the 2020 cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, photographed in Bali. Olivia came to fame as winner of the Miss Universe pageant in 2012.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chef Roy Choi is a groundbreaking original who broke the mold by creating iconic LA food truck, Kogi, that merged Mexican and Korean flavors and began the gourmet food truck craze. He's also a passionate social activist working in his local community.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chef Shirley Chung is the chef and owner of the delicious Modern Chinese American restaurant, Ms. Chi's Cafe in Culver City California. A tenacious contestant on Bravo's Top Chef, she competed in Seasons 11 and 14, bringing her take on Chinese cuisine to the forefront.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chef Niki Nakayama opened her two Michelin Star winning restaurant in Los Angeles in 2011. Chef Niki, is very humble, but is completely shattering stereotypes in a culturally male dominated field.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Kate Powers has built a photography career based on an authentic point of view and women’s empowerment.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Ross Butler is an Asian-American actor known for roles on 13 Reasons Why, K.C. Undercover, Riverdale, and Shazam. Born in Singapore, he immigrated to the US at a young age and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career at the age of 20.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Ashley Graham is no stranger to the fashion industry with countless covers and billboards internationally, but she has made a brand of promoting self love, size acceptance, and body positivity, and used her body and voice to express and inspire confidence in women everywhere.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Eve Rodsky is the author of the NY Times Bestseller: Fair Play, which addresses the disparity between men and women’s roles in a traditional relationship and concentrates on re-imagining domestic life and relationship to help rebalance responsibilities.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Elsa Collins is a strategist, activist, and advocate, co-founder of organizations This is About Humanity, She Se Puede, and the Ideatuer. Her initiatives include growing Latina representation, getting out the vote, and addressing the humanitarian crisis at the border.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Chef Ming Tsai has been a household name since 1998, hosting his cooking show East Meets West on Food Network. He has been an inspiration to me and a welcome Asian presence on TV. We talk about how rewarding, and simple, kindness and giving back can be.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Photographer Brian Bowen Smith set out in the spring of 2020 on a road trip across America, to capture historic images in the midst of a country in pandemic and quarantine. He shares his personal history and details this project, entitled BBS Drivebys.
Actress and comedian Margaret Cho is outspoken, and at times controversial, in her candid handling of identity, race, and sexuality. A powerful advocate whose work has utilized humor and indulged stereotypes to discuss the Asian American experience and LGBTQIA+ community.
Celebrity Chef, Jet Tila, was born in Los Angeles into a restaurant family with Thai and Chinese ancestry, and went on to study formally at Le Cordon Bleu. Jet and I have a shared passion for Asian Cuisine and its evolving story.
Sam Hyun is an advocate for the Asian American community, working as an activist, chairperson of the Massachusetts Asian American Commission, and host of the podcast, Real Talk Tuesdays created by the non profit foundation Hate is a Virus. His work is a vital and vibrant voice in this historic time.
Long Ung recounts her childhood in the Cambodian killing fields in her memoir, First they Killed my Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, adapted into a film in 2017. She is active in work on numerous campaigns aimed at ending violence against women, ceasing use of child soldiers, and banning landmines. As someone who knows firsthand the trauma of war, she is deeply committed to her humanitarian causes, yet she lives with unbounded optimism and compassion.
William Li is the co-producer and host of PBS’s Lucky Chow, now in its fourth season. Lucky Chow is a very special program that showcases the Asian-American experience through the lens of food. With Lucky Chow, William’s aim is to heighten appreciation of Asian culture and heritage.
Supermodel Coco Rocha is well known as an outspoken advocate for the rights of models and for diversity in fashion. In 2016 she took ownership and management of Nomad Models whose roster is one of the most diverse in the industry, with a special emphasis on Asian models.
Writer Kevin Kwan is a Chinese Singaporean who moved with his family to Texas at the age of 11. His book Crazy Rich Asians created a cultural phenomenon with a film adaptation grossing $238 million and bringing a contemporary Asian American story to the masses.
Actor and model, Milla Jovovich is a powerhouse and an influencer before social media. Milla’s storied career began as the muse for such iconic photographers as Peter Lindberg, Herb Ritts, and Richard Avedon before launching into a very successful acting career. We recount our photoshoot together and she and I talk about motherhood and are joined in conversation by her daughter, Ever.
The lovely Mei Lin, chef and winner of Top Chef’s 12th season is my guest. Mei and I find that we have a lot in common, emigrating to the US from Asia and settling in the Midwest in restaurant families. She shares how growing up, her first aspiration wasn’t to work in the kitchen.
Yara Shahidi began modeling and acting early, and made a name for herself in the shows Black-ish and spinoff Grown-ish. She continues to pursue her career while studying at Harvard. Yara is a powerful voice for advocacy of feminism and her initiative to encourage young voters. We talk about our first meeting and discuss celebrating diversity, culture, and women’s issues in the media.
GT Dave started his incredible company, GT’s Living Foods in the 1990’s in his home, brewing fizzy fermented tea. He has since grown the company to produce over a million bottles of kombucha every year in over a dozen varieties, and is the number 1 selling kombucha in the US.
Today, we’re having recess with my guest Carla Hall! Carla is a chef, known for appearing in two seasons of Top Chef and hosting her own show “The Chew”, an author and motivational speaker who started as a model, walking runways in Paris. We jump right into conversation about food and much needed recess!
Supermodel Toni Garrn joins me for a conversation about the cause that she’s so passionate about. Toni is not just a powerhouse in the modeling world, she’s devoted herself to educating and empowering young women in Africa and she shares her inspiring journey.
Andy Wang is a food writer with an incredible history. He’s very reluctant to be called a critic as he’s always worked to tell the stories and observe the efforts of chefs and cooks across the country, who are crafting the dishes of all cultures, especially authentic Asian cuisine. He’s penned for all the notable food and travel publications including The New York Times, NY Post, Conde Nast Traveler, Taste, DuJour, and Food and Wine. Currently, he hosts “LA Food Gang” with the former associate editor of Eater LA with Crystal Coser on Sunday nights on Clubhouse.
Kevin Kreider is a model, motivational speaker, and an advocate for healthy lifestyles and for Asian perceptions in media. Born in Korea and adopted at age three to a Caucasian family in Philadelphia, he’s had a unique journey as an Asian American. Currently he's featured in the Netflix hit, Bling Empire. Kevin's role in the show brings depth and a relatable perspective to a cast with lives of opulence.
RiceBox is an award winning restaurant boasting the best Char Sui in LA. Husband and wife duo Lydia and Leo Lee founded this Cantonese BBQ together to continue a three generation legacy.
Esera Tuaolo, also known as Mr. Aloha, became a household name to football fans as defensive tackle in the NFL, playing on several teams including the 1998 NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. A powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he’s also a motivational speaker and published author.
{RiceBox : 0:00 : Esera : 16:43}
IMG Models and Fashion is a powerhouse talent agency representing the top names in the field. President Ivan Bart talks about the necessary work to foster inclusion.
Also :
Renowned fashion and beauty model, Emily Didonato, is globally recognized for her work representing Maybelline, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Victoria’s Secret, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, as well as a host of other leading brands.
{Ivan : 0:00 : Emily : 19:09}
Ami Vitale has traveled to over 100 countries to capture images of conflict and beauty. Her work photographing Northern White Rhinos has been transcendent both for her and her viewers.
Famed fashion and celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski is known around the globe for his high profile work. Now he is utilizing his voice for animal rights, in his initiative Creatives for Change.
{Ami : 0:00 : Alexi : 21:12}
Four time Emmy winning host Nischelle Turner has been a correspondent on NBC, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and Headline News. An Entertainment Journalist who never shies from the truth, she shares from the depth of her experience.
Jeanne Mai is a stylist and television host beloved on shows The Real and How do I Look? With her current Podcast Listen Hunnay, she discusses issues of race, self care, and mental health.
{Nischelle : 0:00 : Jeannie : 18:10}
Vivica A. Fox is a powerhouse. An award winning actress and entrepreneur, she created a media brand as a film producer, talk show and podcast host, and CEO of her own hair line.
Sir John is an inspiration as an artist and a human being. His beginnings in the beauty and fashion industry were humble and he has risen to an icon.
{Vivica : 0:00 : Sir John : 18:08}
Michelle Kwan is the most decorated American skater in history achieving nine US Championships, five World Championships and two Olympic Medals. Now she's using her voice in the political arena, which is more important than ever.
Chasten Buttigieg is author of the NY Times bestseller, I have Something to Tell You. The book shares his journey in the LGBTQI community and campaign support in the 2020 election.
{Michelle : 0:00 : Chasten : 24:44}
Amanda DeCadenet made a career of communicating a strong women's point of view in many media for decades. Her current project GirlGaze champions other women's voices to be heard. Writer Troy Johnson has hosted several shows on Food Network and approaches food in a way that celebrates people's stories, rather than criticizing their dishes.
{Amanda : 0:00 : Troy : 26:00}
I talk with inspiring advocate, actor, and author Maulik Pancholy about the anti bullying organization Act to Change. Chef Kristen Kish is the winner of Bravo's Top Chef Season 10, where she stood out for both her exceptional cooking and for her compelling story.
{Maulik 0:00 : Kristen 24:00}
I join in conversation with Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, and Chef Melissa King winner of Top Chef Season 17. Each in their own way, advocating for LGBTQ Rights.
{Alphonso : 0:00 : Melissa : 24:55}
In this episode of Let's Talk, I had the opportunity to speak to Lisa Ling and Padma Lakshmi, both incredible inspirations for many Asian-Americans.
Together, we celebrate the story of Asian immigrants in America.
{Lisa : 0:00 : Padma : 23:38}
Yu Tsai Introduces his new podcast series, Let's Talk with Yu Tsai, where he invites amazing people he has encountered to join him to engage and discuss ideas, tell stories, and share their personal journeys.