In this episode, hosts Junko and Ben welcome special guest Nhut Le, known for his role as Judo Master in the hit show Peacemaker. They discuss Nhut's journey to landing the role, the impact of representation in Hollywood, and the evolution of roles for Asian actors. Nhut shares his experiences with the auditioning process for Peacemaker and the challenges faced by Asian Americans in the entertainment industry. The conversation also touches on the future of Judo Master within the DC Universe and offers advice for aspiring actors.

In this episode, Junko and Ben interview Jona Xiao, the voice of the first female Iron Fist in Marvel's 'Eyes of Wakanda.' They discuss Jona's journey into voice acting, her research into the Iron Fist character, the significance of representation in media, and her experiences as a female quarterback in flag football. The conversation also touches on the animation style of the show, Jona's culinary preferences, and her aspirations for the future.

Junko and Ben interview acclaimed author Abigail Hing Wen who is paving the way for Asian American authors writing for young adult and teen audiences. Before the interview plays, Junko and Ben discuss their memories of college mates going to "Loveboat" and recent comments made by Daniel Dae Kim on whether Hollywood is overcorrecting when it comes to Asian casting.

After the intro, Abigail Hing Wen discusses her latest book, "The Vale", which explores themes of AI and family dynamics. She reflects on her journey as an author, the challenges of getting her earlier works published, and the importance of cultural representation in media. Abigail shares insights into the publishing process, including the auction system, and emphasizes the need for ethical technology in storytelling. The discussion also touches on her previous works, including the successful Love Boat Taipei series, and the impact of her Asian American identity on her writing. In this engaging conversation, Abigail Hing Wen, Junko, and Ben Lei discuss the importance of representation in literature and film, particularly for Asian American voices. They explore the challenges faced in Hollywood regarding authentic representation, the significance of community support for Asian American authors, and the transition from writing novels to screen adaptations.

The discussion also touches on the creative process, overcoming writer's block, and personal connections to food, specifically favorite rice dishes.

Directly order your copy of "The Vale" and support Abigail by purchasing through this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qNph7_u0G08zPmIQgD9aXMO-mcBqRPbL8TgahljXAjY/edit?usp=sharing 

In this episode, Johnny Han, the Emmy-nominated VFX supervisor for "The Penguin," shares insights into his journey in the visual effects industry, his experiences working on HBO's 'The Nevers' and 'The Penguin', and the challenges of creating compelling visual narratives. Johnny shares insights in the types of conversations and ideas to capture the emotional moments to tell the story in a very fast paced series environment.

Costume designer Helen Huang discusses her Emmy-nominated work on The Penguin, a show set in the Batman universe. She shares her journey to becoming involved with the project, her design philosophy, and the challenges of costuming Colin Farrell. The conversation also touches on character development through costumes, the impact of The Penguin on the DC Universe, and the importance of cultural representation in superhero films. Helen reflects on her career path & highlighting her connection to her heritage.

Jackie Dallas shares her experiences working on the Netflix series 'Hunting Wives,' discussing the themes of cultural identity and representation in the entertainment industry. She reflects on her journey from auditions to landing a significant role, the impact of transitioning from Stars to Netflix, and the collaborative spirit on set. She also highlights the importance of Asian American voices in media and the potential future directions for the show. Jackie shares her journey from a medical career to acting, highlighting the challenges and growth she experienced along the way. She discusses the evolving landscape for Asian American actors, the influence of her family legacy, and the importance of finding passion in one's work. Jackie also touches on her future projects, including a horror film, and reflects on the emotional aspects of both medicine and acting.

In this engaging conversation, Junko and Ben interview Te Ao O Hinepehinga, also known as Tea, a rising star who can be seen in the latest Apple TV series 'Chief of War.'

Tea shares her journey from growing up in a traditional Māori village to discovering her passion for acting. The discussion delves into the importance of representation in media, the nuances of language and culture, and the physical training involved in portraying historical characters of Hawai'i working with Jason Momoa and Justin Chon.

Tea shares her experiences preparing for her role in a culturally significant production, discussing the physical training involved, the importance of authenticity in fight choreography, and the collaborative spirit on set.

In this engaging conversation with Junko and Ben, Kaila Yu shares her multifaceted journey from being an import model, a musician and now an author with her new book, "Fetishized", hitting bookstores August 19th.

The discussion delves into the complexities of Asian fetishism, the evolution of media representation of Asian women, and the impact of social media on cultural identity.

Kaila reflects on her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of teaching respect and consent. The conversation also touches on the influence of K-Pop and the changing landscape of Asian representation in media, culminating in Kaila's upcoming book release and her thoughts on empowerment versus objectification.

In this episode, Junko and Ben welcome actress and producer Celia Au, known for her work in the short film film 'Last Call'. They discuss Celia's journey from growing up in a video store to pursuing a career in acting, her experiences during the pandemic, and the evolution of 'Last Call'. The conversation highlights the challenges of filmmaking in today's environment and the importance of storytelling in making an impact. In this engaging conversation, United by Rice discusses innovative filmmaking techniques, the importance of building relationships in the industry, and the evolution of Asian representation in film. They explore the challenges of navigating a scarcity mindset in acting, the impact of social media on careers, and the significance of supporting one another within the Asian community. The discussion also touches on the role of streaming platforms in film success, the necessity of creating quality content for broader audiences, and insights from their experiences in independent filmmaking & the journey of storytelling.

Junko and Ben engage in a heartfelt conversation with Rosie Choo, a filmmaker who shares her experiences navigating grief after losing her mother to suicide. The discussion touches on the complexities of the funeral industry, cultural rituals surrounding death, and the importance of storytelling in processing personal pain. Rosie reflects on her journey as a filmmaker and the impact of her heritage on her work, emphasizing the need for representation and community support in the arts. In this conversation, Rosie Choo discusses the intersection of grief, humor, and the creative process in filmmaking. She reflects on her experiences navigating loss, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these experiences influenced her work. The discussion delves into the importance of visual storytelling, character development, and the challenges of directing young actors. Rosie shares insights into her filmmaking journey, the significance of community support, and the themes of healing and closure that permeate her work. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted exchange about favorite rice dishes, highlighting the cultural connections that food brings.