Brittany Ishibashi joins United by Rice to talk about her role as Joy in the new Apple TV series “Brothers,” starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.

Ishibashi takes us inside the unusual premise of the series, inspired by the real-life rumor that Harrelson and McConaughey might actually be brothers, and shares what it was like stepping onto a set built around their decades-long friendship. She talks about the improvisation that comes with working alongside the two actors, what surprised her about them away from their larger-than-life public personas, and why she describes Harrelson as “the most present person you will ever meet.”

The conversation also gets personal as Ishibashi reflects on her own path through Hollywood, from the roles available to Asian American actors when she began her career to the opportunities she sees today. She discusses auditioning for Joy, the significance of being part of a major series without her ethnicity defining the character, and why the changes she has witnessed in representation have felt “life affirming.”

It’s a candid conversation about craft, identity, longevity, and finding your place in an industry that has changed considerably during Ishibashi’s career.

Actor, stunt performer, martial artist and filmmaker Alfred Hsing joins Ben Lei and Junko Goda on “United By Rice” to talk about a career that has taken him from martial arts competitions to some of Hollywood’s most ambitious productions.

Alfred takes us behind the scenes of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” sharing what he observed about Nolan’s filmmaking process, the extraordinary scale of the production, working with IMAX cameras and the commitment to realism on set.

He also discusses his work in animation, including “The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender” and “Avatar: Seven Havens,” and explains why designing action for animation can be an even more layered process than live action.

Along the way, Alfred reflects on his unconventional path through Hollywood, the importance of patience and persistence, his experiences at San Diego Comic Con, and why authenticity and intentional casting matter as Asian representation continues to evolve.

This episode of United by Rice dives into a warm, wide-ranging conversation with actor Leonardo Nam, covering his breakout roles in Westworld and Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, and his surprising first time singing on screen in Disney’s Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, and his journey into producing stories with deeper multicultural representation. The episode also reflects on balancing career, family, and creative growth in an ever-changing industry.

Emmy-nominated actor Charles Melton joins United By Rice to talk about stepping into Season 2 of Netflix’s "Beef" and why creator Sonny Lee knew he wanted Melton for Austin after seeing his performance in "May December."

Melton, currently nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for "Beef," opens up about building Austin from his own experiences with self-doubt, the influence of Korean cinema on his performance and why some of the show’s funniest moments only work when the actors refuse to play the joke.

He also reflects on working alongside Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny and legendary Korean actor Song Kang-ho, including an emotional moment watching Song quietly prepare on set that left Melton in tears.

The conversation becomes especially personal as Melton discusses his Korean American identity and what it meant to film the finale in Korea, where members of his Korean family were able to visit his set and watch him work. As Melton explains, returning to his roots affected him "spiritually, on like a DNA level" and ultimately helped inform his performance as Austin.

Plus, Melton talks about what draws him to a role, authenticity and vulnerability as an actor, what may be ahead in his career, and the Korean comfort foods that immediately remind him of home.

This week on United By Rice, Ben Lei and Junko Goda sit down with actor Christian Vunipola, who stars as Hussein, the loyal best friend of Adam (He-Man) in Amazon MGM Studios' highly anticipated "Masters of the Universe."

Christian shares how he broke into Hollywood, the surreal experience of joining such an iconic franchise, and what it was like stepping onto a massive studio production alongside an all-star cast. He opens up about auditioning for the role, building Hussein from the ground up, and why authentic representation matters even in the biggest genre films.

The conversation also dives into the nostalgia surrounding "Masters of the Universe," the challenge of adapting beloved childhood properties for modern audiences, and why the next generation of actors has more opportunities than ever before. Along the way, Ben and Junko can't resist revisiting their favorite cartoons, action figures, and dream live action adaptations from the '80s and '90s.

Whether you grew up shouting "By the Power of Grayskull!" or you're simply curious about how an actor lands a career-changing role, this episode offers an honest, funny, and inspiring look behind the scenes.

Costume designer Vera Chow joins United By Rice for one of our funniest and most candid conversations yet, calling in from Atlanta while working on Justin Chon's upcoming film "Tommy Karate."

From dressing Hong Kong's elite in "The Season" to navigating Georgia's brutal summer humidity on set, Vera takes us behind the seams of costume design and explains how clothing helps define character, culture, and story. She shares her journey from Hong Kong to Hollywood, why authentic Asian representation matters behind the camera, and how even the smallest wardrobe choices can shape an audience's perception of a character.

Along the way, we dive into the realities of working in film and television, the surprisingly few Asian costume designers working in Hollywood today, and the creative challenges of balancing fashion, storytelling, and production logistics.

And because it wouldn't be a United By Rice episode without a few detours, Ben shamelessly takes advantage of having a professional costume designer on the show, asking Vera for dating and fashion advice that may (or may not) improve his wardrobe.

Whether you're fascinated by filmmaking, love fashion, or simply enjoy hearing from talented AANHPI creatives working behind the scenes, this is an episode packed with laughs, insight, and plenty of style.

This week on United By Rice, Ben and Junko catch up on one of the biggest weekends in pop culture as they recap Anime Expo, discuss how conventions like San Diego Comic-Con continue to evolve, and explore the latest trends shaping entertainment.

The conversation ranges from Anime Expo's record-breaking crowds and the growing popularity of Pokémon card collecting to the future of streaming, Marvel's changing release strategy, and what the newest season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" means for fans. Along the way, Ben also shares the story behind buying his very first Pokémon card.

Then, we're joined by actress Amanda Zhou, who portrays the fan-favorite character Joo Dee in Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender." A former elite figure skater, Amanda reflects on her unconventional journey into acting, bringing one of the franchise's most recognizable characters to life, balancing humor and mystery in Ba Sing Se, and what it means to represent Asian stories on one of Netflix's biggest series.

Whether you're an anime fan, convention regular, collector, or simply love hearing from rising AANHPI talent in Hollywood, this episode has something for you.

In this episode of "United By Rice," Ben and Junko sit down with rising actor Gabriel Prevost-Takahashi to discuss his remarkable journey from being discovered on the streets of Japan to landing major roles in two of Netflix's biggest projects: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2 and "Voices for Isabelle."

Gabriel reflects on the unexpected path that launched his career, what it's been like stepping into the world of one of the most beloved franchises of all time, and how he balances opportunities across both live action and voice acting. He also shares the mindset that has helped him navigate an industry where timing, preparation, and smart decisions can make all the difference.

Before the interview, Junko gives Ben a crash course on the enduring legacy of "Avatar," tracing its roots from the original Nickelodeon series to its lasting cultural impact and explaining why the franchise continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Whether you're an aspiring actor, a longtime "Avatar" fan, or simply interested in hearing how careers are built in Hollywood, this conversation offers an honest and inspiring look behind the scenes of one of entertainment's brightest rising stars.

Yvonne Chapman on "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2, "The Season" & AANHPI Representation | United By Rice Podcast

Yvonne Chapman is having a major moment.

With Netflix's highly anticipated second season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on the horizon and Hulu's stylish new drama "The Season" now streaming, Chapman joins United By Rice for an in-depth conversation about two of the biggest projects of her career.

In this episode, Yvonne discusses stepping into the world of "The Season," a glossy thriller set against the backdrop of the exclusive boating season, where ambition, family expectations, and social status collide. She also reflects on her journey as an actor, what these roles mean for AANHPI representation, and looks ahead to returning to the world of "Avatar."

Then, stay tuned for a bonus interview from our "The Season" press junket featuring stars Chris Pang and Justin Chien. Together, they discuss building the show's unique world, bringing complex characters to life, and why authentic Asian stories continue to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Whether you're a fan of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," intrigued by "The Season," or simply love hearing candid conversations with today's leading Asian and Asian American creatives, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two exciting projects and the people bringing them to life.

In this episode:
• Yvonne Chapman's journey to "The Season" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender"
• The inspiration and themes behind "The Season"
• Representation and authentic AANHPI storytelling
• Building layered, complex characters
• Bonus interview with Chris Pang and Justin Chien
• What's next for these rising stars

Subscribe to United By Rice for more conversations celebrating Asian and AANHPI voices across film, television, and popular culture.

After a brief hiatus, United By Rice returns for Season 2 with a hilarious and insightful conversation featuring the stars and creative team behind Hulu's acclaimed comedy "Deli Boys" also kicking off their second season!

Joining us for the season premiere are returning cast members Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan, along with new cast member Fred Armisen and showrunner Michelle Nader.

We dive into what fans can expect from Season 2, the show's unique blend of crime, family dysfunction, and outrageous comedy, and how the series continues to push South Asian representation forward while remaining one of the funniest shows on television. The conversation also explores the evolution of these characters, the experience of joining an established ensemble, and the creative process behind bringing the world of "Deli Boys" to life.

Whether you've been with the Dar family from the beginning or are just discovering the show, this episode offers plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from one of streaming's most entertaining comedies.

"Deli Boys" Season 2 is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.