Ben Lei sits down with Shuang Hu for a lively conversation about growing up in Australia, the journey to co-writing and starring in her breakout film Five Blind Dates, and her deep love for tea. Don’t miss this episode—complete with surprising stories of hidden families and an ode to the comforting magic of Japanese steamed egg over rice.

In this engaging conversation, Kelvin Han Yee reflects on his extensive career in theater, particularly focusing on his current role in the play "Yankee Dawg You Die" that is currently at East West Players in Los Angeles. He discusses the evolution of Asian American representation in the arts, the importance of historical context, and the lessons learned from veteran actor Sab Shimono. The conversation highlights the relevance of the play's themes in today's society. Kelvin shares personal anecdotes and insights into the legacy of Asian American artists, showcasing the bright future of storytelling in this community.

In this episode of United by Rice, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lee engage in a heartfelt conversation with D'Lo, a multifaceted artist who shares insights about his journey in the arts, the importance of community, and the upcoming Belly Laughs Festival. D'Lo discusses his experiences with identity, masculinity, and the healing power of comedy, while also reflecting on personal challenges and the role of creativity in navigating life's complexities. The conversation highlights the significance of cultural connections, particularly through food, and the shared experiences that unite diverse communities.

In this episode of United by Rice, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lei engage with comedian Kiran Deol to explore themes of cultural identity, generational differences, and the evolution of stand-up comedy. The conversation delves into the significance of food in cultural fusion and the importance of authenticity in comedy. They also discuss the upcoming Belly Laughs Festival, celebrating Asian American voices in comedy, and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with food and performance.

Junko and Ben Lei engage in a lively conversation with Michelle Sugihara from CAPE, discussing the importance of representation in the entertainment industry, the various programs CAPE offers to support Asian American voices, and the upcoming Belly Laughs Festival. They explore the significance of mentorship, the role of short films, and the vibrant community surrounding these initiatives.

In this episode of the United by Rice podcast, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lei welcome comedian Julie Kim, who shares her journey into comedy, the challenges she faced as an Asian woman in the industry, and her new podcast 'Bothered.' Julie discusses the importance of representation in comedy, the cultural influences that shaped her, and how personal experiences inform her storytelling. The conversation also touches on the evolution of comedy, the significance of comfort food, and the need for authentic narratives in today's media landscape.

In this episode, Asif Ali discusses his experiences with the show "Deli Boys," the audience's positive reception, and the importance of representation in comedy. He shares insights on character development, upcoming projects, and the Belly Laughs comedy festival, emphasizing the significance of food and culture in bringing people together.

Please note: there were some technical issues and the last 5 minutes may be a little hard to hear compared to the rest, but please hang in there!

In this engaging conversation, Erin Quill (Avenue Q, SVU) discusses the exciting developments in the 2024 Broadway season, highlighting the significant representation of Asian American artists where Asian American talent was prominently featured at the Tony Awards. She reflects on her journey as a mixed-race Asian American artist and the impact of her blog, the Fairy Princess Diaries, on casting practices in theater. Quill emphasizes the evolving narrative around Asian roles in theater and the promising future for diversity and inclusion on Broadway. They also emphasize the importance of diverse voices in theater and the changing demographics of America, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling and representation.

In this engaging conversation, Varada Sethu shares her journey as an actress in major franchises like "Star Wars" and "Doctor Who." She discusses the impact of her roles, particularly in "Andor," and the significance of representation in media. Varada reflects on her personal connection to the Star Wars universe, the complexities of her character, and the evolving landscape of diversity in storytelling. The discussion also touches on the themes of identity, compassion, and the importance of understanding different narratives in today's world.

In this conversation, Minha Kim discusses her role in the acclaimed series 'Pachinko,' reflecting on the challenges of portraying complex characters, the cultural and historical significance of the story, and the emotional impact it has had on audiences. She shares insights into the creative process, the importance of identity and heritage, and her aspirations for future storytelling.