In this engaging conversation, Ali Ahn discusses her career journey, the significance of representation for Asian American actresses, and her experiences in notable roles such as in 'The Diplomat' and 'Agatha All Along'. She reflects on the challenges and nuances of portraying complex characters, the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, and her aspirations for future roles.

In this episode of United by Rice, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lei welcome Isa Briones, the multi-talented actress known for her role in the medical drama 'The Pitt' and "Picar.' The episode explores Isa's journey in the entertainment industry, her experiences during the bootcamp for the show, the emotional toll on healthcare workers, and 'The Pitt's' commitment to medical accuracy. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, character development, and the importance of family support in the arts.

Kristen Kish reflects on her journey as a chef and host of Top Chef, sharing insights on the challenges of judging, the impact of winning the competition, and the importance of representation in the culinary world. She discusses her personal cooking preferences, the evolution of her culinary style, and the significance of her memoir, 'Accidentally on Purpose.'

Junko Goda and Ben Lei sit down with Ronny Chieng, a prominent comedian and correspondent on The Daily Show to discuss the challenges of political satire during tumultuous times, the evolution of Asian representation in media, and the intricacies of interviewing guests. Ronny shares insights from his career, including his experiences in stand-up comedy and the importance of creating high-quality Asian American projects - while touching on cultural shifts in perceptions of Asian masculinity.

In this conversation, Junko Goda and Ben Lei discuss the evolving landscape of film and comedy, particularly through the lens of generational perspectives and identity. With Troy Iwata, they explore his journey to The Daily Show, the collaborative nature of comedy, and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. Their discussion also touches on the balance between humor and sensitivity in current events, as well as personal connections to musical theater.

Olivia Cheng delves into the themes of representation, storytelling, and the challenges faced in the film industry. They discuss Olivia's recent work in the film 'Lucky Star', the importance of complex characters in Asian representation, and her transition from acting to directing. The conversation also touches on the current state of the film industry, the need for diverse narratives, and the community support among Asian filmmakers.

In this episode of United by Rice, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lee welcome composer Sherri Chung, who shares her journey into film scoring and the importance of music in storytelling. They discuss her recent projects, including 'Based on a True Story' and 'Gremlins', and explore the evolving landscape of the film industry, particularly regarding representation and collaboration. Sherri emphasizes the significance of composers in shaping narratives and the need for diverse voices in the industry. Listen now to discover what music, composition, & chili crisp fried rice means to her.

In this engaging conversation, Olivia Munn delves into personal experiences surrounding health, motherhood, and the entertainment industry. With Ben and Junko, she discusses the the challenges of navigating a career, raising young children and dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The dialogue also touches on the significance of advocacy and awareness in cancer detection, the impact of sharing personal stories, and reflections on health and wellness. The conversation concludes with light-hearted discussions about culinary favorites and the joys of cooking rice.

Jolene Purdy shares her journey to "The Bondsman", a new show on Hulu that also stars Kevin Bacon.

Summary

In this episode of United by Rice, hosts Junko Goda and Ben Lei welcome filmmakers Gillian McKercher and Conni Miu to discuss their film Lucky Star. The conversation explores the film's journey from festival screenings to its upcoming release, Conni's transition from dance to acting, and the themes of family dynamics and addiction portrayed in the film. The guests share insights into the collaborative process of filmmaking, the challenges faced in independent cinema, and their future projects.