In this episode Y&Y review: The Last Jedi, Blade Runner 2049, and Lady Bird. James shares his adventures in Seoul, South Korea and Taiwan, and has a personal revelation.

CINEMA CORNER (Warning: Spoilers Below!)
The Last Jedi: 
* James had 3 issues with the movie: Luke, the jokes, and the romance between Finn and Rose.
* Dan agrees with a friend that the opening joke wasn't great. Dan doesn't like the physics or inconsistencies in physics: Holdo's suicide maneuver, bombers in space, and the end scene on Crait with Rose's speeder intercepting Finn's speeder.
* James doesn't like that Rey is so natural at wielding a lightsaber.
* Canto Bight scene’s totally useless.
* Anyone can use the force.

Blade Runner 2049:
* Dan - it's very racially monochrome, no diversity in the future. Didn't bother him, but it was shot beautifully. The movie was a little long.
* James - the use of Asian items without Asians. The film hypersexualizes women. Feels there’s a plot hole with the “real memory”. Still, an enjoyable film with some beautiful moments.

* Lady Bird:
James - reminded him of "Rushmore". Lots of teen angst and intelligent humor. A little salty a Californian wasn’t cast for the lead, but not a deal breaker. Not sure what Lady Bird's motivation is.
* Daniel - thought it was overrated, but enjoyed it.

JAMES’ TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN:
* James went to Taiwan for preproduction on his short film. Did some location scouting. Also shot a mini-short film while there.
* James tried Tinder in Taiwan. Got 4x more likes in Taiwan vs. in America.
* More dating opportunities for Asian American men.
* Had a great date with a Japanese girl he met at a Taipei intersection. Focused on getting to know her emotionally.
* Seoul, Korea - Super cold weather. James doesn't speak Korean. Hung out with Teo. Met with Seng and his wife, had Korean BBQ. Had ginger chicken soup. Stayed in 3 different areas of Seoul: Hongdae (홍대/弘大), Gyeongbokgung (경복궁/景福宮), Sadang (사당/舍堂).  
* Saw a gorgeous girl at the restaurant and gave her his Kakao username. Was one of the scariest moments he ever had.
* At another restaurant, James sees an attractive girl  and asked her for directions to the palace. The girl writes detailed directions for James and lets her food get cold, despite his polite protestations. 
* Highlight of the trip: At his 3rd Airbnb, joins a party of young artists/creatives. Screens his short film "Painting Hands" and others . (films at www.jamesyshih.com)
* He talks to some girls at a bar with no success.
* James realizes the reason why he seeks women's affection.

Memorable Quotes:
Dan: All my grievances with “The Last Jedi” have to do with physics.

Teacher: With all these women, you’re posing to them a question…
James: Am I lovable?
Teacher: Yes. But, you have to answer that for yourself.

Language Corner:
Japanese - 今は今しかない - imawaimashikanai - There is only now, now.
Mandarin - 活在當下 - huó zài dāngxià - Live in the moment.

Yin & Young links:
* Main Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/
* iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/
* YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvtVW6pVPeKFn7H_6ai8lA?
* Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

Yin & Young Episode 28: Actor, Writer Teo Yoo (유태오)

Yin & Young meet with actor, writer Teo Yoo in Seoul and delve deep into his journey as an actor from Germany, to America, to the U.K. and eventually settling in Korea. Teo's path gives insight into the parent-child relationship, the artistic process, and finding one's place in the world.

* James met Teo at Sundance in 2015. 
* Teo starred in the film “Seoul Searching” directed by Benson LEE (not Kim).
* Born and raised in Germany, Teo left at age 20.
* Wasn't great at school, but excelled in the arts and athletics. Played a lot of street basketball.
* Made a deal with his parents to finish high school if he could travel for a year.
* Took classes at the Lee Strasberg school in New York and decided that acting was for him. Also studied Meisner technique.
* Maxed out his dad's credit card to pay for school over the course of two years.
* Used all his resources to buy tons of DVDs and to watch plays. Watched two films every day before he went to sleep.
* Sacrificed everything for acting: there were times he didn’t have enough money for food and or a place to sleep.
* After getting on the wait list, called the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) everyday and until he got into the program.
* Teo went back to Germany soon after London and started writing poetry.
* Father's side is from North Korea. Mother's side is from North Korea and from a southern island of South Korea.
* His father started off as a miner and his mother was a nurse in Germany.
* After the mines closed down, the Yoo family started their own deli.
* In Korea, Germany, or the U.S., doesn't feel accepted as one of their own.
* Is a citizen of the world.
* Writing is his therapy. 
* Teo’s a published children's author in Korea. Using Shakespearean rhythms,  he wrote a story about a little monster that eats socks.
* Teo plays Viktor Tsoi in an upcoming film by Kirill Serebrennikov called “Leto”. Said it was his hardest role to date.
* Did research of Korean historical figures he would like to play such as Antonio Corea the “Korean Man”.
* Wants to cultivate his acting and reserve directing for his 40s.
* Has found spiritual help in the writings of Eckhart Tolle.

—

Language Corner: Where is the toilet?
Mandarin - 廁所在哪裡? - cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ 
Taiwanese - pian-so ti toh-ui?
Korean - 화장실이 어디예요 - hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo
German - Wo ist die Toilette?
Japanese - トイレはどこですか - toire wa dokodesu ka

—

Teo Yoo links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teoyoo/ @teoyoo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialteoyoo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teoyoo @teoyoo
Soundcloud: Florence Kamerad - https://soundcloud.com/fyodorkamerad The tracks “Coelln 1988” and “Hopa Minor” were used for the intro and outro respectively. Song in the 60 sec teaser is “autumn 31”.

—

Starring Teo:
Seoul Searching (on Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/80106230
MV Noel(노을)  - our last day (그날의 너에게): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs9Ch5KUocQ
Russian Director Serebrennikov finishes “Leto” under house arrest: http://www.calvertjournal.com/news/show/9620/russian-director-serebrennikov-finishes-viktor-tsoi-rock-film-house-arrest

—

Yin & Young links:
* Main Website: http://www.jamesyshih.com/yin-young-podcast/
* iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yin-young-podcast-jys/id1185421015?mt=2
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/
* YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvtVW6pVPeKFn7H_6ai8lA?
* Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

James (aka Young): In my first ever solo podcast, I experiment with a stand up routine that's incredibly personal and emotional...

I was very much in doubt if I even wanted to share this. I then did some cursory internet research about the effects of sharing personal pain publicly: it can help, not just myself, but others as well in their healing process.

So this is for me and this is for you.

I hope this helps.

Love,

James

--

佶明 （暱稱”養“）：這是我第一次單獨的播客。我是實驗一種單口相聲，是很私人，是很情緒化的。。。

我很懷疑要不要把這個播客公播。但我上網研究一下分享個人的痛苦的好處：除了療癒自己，也可以幫別人的療癒過程。

所以這是為了我，也是為了你。

希望能幫助你。

愛，

佶明

James shares his experience attending the spiritual retreat the Hoffman Process and Y&Y share their thoughts on Hamilton the musical.
-
Episode Notes:
* Some friends of Dan listen to the podcast. 
* James watched Hamilton recently and is donating his car.
* Overall, the Hoffman process was helpful, though the cost is pretty high for a week (James was sponsored).
* At the retreat, no discussions about divisive things were allowed.
* Four step process that spans over 6 days: Awareness, Expression, Compassion/Forgiveness, New Behavior
* A lot of personal issues are traced back to parents/surrogate parents.
* The importance of FEELINGS.
* James goes through some of the exercises of the Hoffman Process and his reaction to them.
* People need to find love for themselves. You can't help others if you can't help yourself first.
* The Crow (1994), played by Brandon Lee, says this about motherhood:  “Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of all children. “
* Hamilton the musical: People are cast to replicate the original Broadway cast experience. Everyone sounds for the most part like the Original Broadway Cast recording.
—
Language Corner - 
* 自身難保 - zìshēn nánbǎo - hard to take care of oneself
* soapland - ソープランド - sōpurando - a Japanese business establishment that offers “cleanly” adult entertainment
—

Links:
- The Hoffman Process from the Hoffman Institute https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/
- GQ Article on another writer's personal experience at the Hoffman Process: http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-hoffman-process-review
- Hamilton Official Site https://hamiltonmusical.com/us-tour/
--

Find us on:

iTunes: https://goo.gl/VVZLhB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvtVW6pVPeKFn7H_6ai8lA?

Our first live podcast: "Just a Bad Date?".

We discuss with returning guests Laura and Aaron the nuances of coercion versus a "bad date". We delve into the spectrum of sexual assault and the issues with male/female communication.

Thank you all for the comments and questions!

Here's some of the articles/videos referenced in the podcast:

I went on a date with Aziz Ansari. It turned into the worst night of my life
https://babe.net/…/01/13/aziz-ansari-28…

The Humiliation of Aziz Ansari
https://www.theatlantic.com/…/t…/550541/

Aziz Ansari and the Paradox of ‘No’
https://www.theatlantic.com/…/…/550556/…

Five women accuse actor James Franco of inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior
http://www.latimes.com/…/la-fi-ct-james…

Jenny Yang, Comic/Writer - Live stream on Aziz Ansari, #MeToo and more. 
https://www.facebook.com/jennyyang1/posts/10155988133329188

An in depth discussion with returning guest Aaron Estrada about talent/effort in the martial arts, our favorite animes, and a short talk about porn.

Improvised piano intro by James.

Nature vs. Nurture. Some people are just naturally more talented in martial arts, sports, or a specific activity than others. The people who are talented and passionate will get to the 99th percentile.

You have to do things with intent.

Fighting on instinct.

Some jiu-jitsu schools don't allow students to roll until they reach their blue belt.

Discussion: Not allowing students to roll or spar from the beginning VS Allowing them to roll and spar right away.

We talk about anime we're currently watching and reminisce about Dragonball Z. http://www.dragonballz.com/

Is Totoro the angel of death?: https://kotaku.com/the-scary-theory-that-totoro-is-the-god-of-death-5926248

Discussion of anime: Watching subbed versus dubbed and the depiction of Asians and Caucasians. Reference photo from the anime “Major”: https://www.watchcartoononline.com/thumb/major-episode-29-english-subbed.jpg

The pursuit of perfection. We mention Jiro Dreams of Sushi as an example. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/

Conversation turns to fapping frequency and how porn affects us. http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/fap

Briefly talk about the Vegas shooting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Las_Vegas_shooting

Language corner:
1) Mandarin: 真的嗎? - zhen1 de ma? - Really?

2) Japanese (Kansai dialect): ホンマかいな - Honmakai na? - Really?/honestly?

3) Tagalog: Magulang

---

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

iTunes: https://goo.gl/VVZLhB

Episode 25 - Loved Ones

Yin and Young are back with a heart-felt, inspirational, and incredibly depressing show for the holidays. =)

Catching up on what they’re watching:  Dan is watching a bunch of TV shows (see links below).
James watched "Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl" and spiraled him into a funk.
James remembers his last day with his friend, Reggie, who passed away from cancer.
Reggie knew when it was his time.
Dan shares the story of his uncle's passing earlier in the year.
Dan's dad tells offensive jokes.
James reflects on his paternal grandmother, grandfather and their impact on his life.
Thoughts on work, rest, and success.

Language Corner: 
Yangchow/Yangzhou dialect -  小乞丐 - xiao pisan - beggar
Taiwanese - 時間實在過了很快 - sikafn sidzai koealiao cviaa kirn - time goes by really quickly.

Related Links:
TV: I’m Sorry, Black-ish
Film: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Stories: The Universal Shapes of Stories, According to Kurt Vonnegut

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Find us!:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

iTunes: https://goo.gl/VVZLhB

Apologies for the delay! Yin is busy with family business and Young is currently traveling.

In this episode, we're speaking with film/tv, theatre, and voice actor Feodor Chin!

Noted voice actor for Overwatch as Zenyatta.

The only time he has ever played Zenyatta was at an eSports Convention at UCSD.

"Experience Tranquility" is the sound byte that Feo likes most.

Went to high school in San Francisco and had an inkling to act.

His major was no longer offered the year he matriculated into UCLA.

Started acting in the Bay Area, most notably at a theater in the Tenderloin.

The first couple of years back in LA as an actor was mostly commercials.

Most roles don't require an accent.

James encounters a racist while getting some Mexican food.

Feo has only experienced outward racism in LA.

Has dabbled with online dating prior to meeting his current girlfriend.

Feo's tweeting has become more political since 45 has been elected.

You may have heard Feo's voice on audible.

"Big Little Lies" is Feo's pick for the best TV show this year.

Listen to get all the details!  Much appreciation to Feodor Chin for joining us.

LANGUAGE CORNER

James - Taiwanese: 眼睛 (bagciw) - eyes

Dan - Yangchow dialect: 十三點 (Shi San Dian) - 13th hour, silly

Feo - Cantonese: 咸湿佬 (Ham Sup Lo) - dirty old man, pervert

Find Feodor on:

twitter - https://twitter.com/FeoChin

instagram - https://www.instagram.com/feochin/

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1216120/

audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Feodor+Chin

Find us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yinyoungpodcast/

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/yin-young-podcast

iTunes: https://goo.gl/VVZLhB

Yin & Young are catching up with writer/director James Z. Feng, who is now based out of Taiwan. Special guest host Aaron "the fish" Estrada!

Lived in South Dakota for a year before moving all around the Bay Area and winding up at UCSD with Young.

Tragedy was the catalyst for Feng to go from ranked tennis player to filmmaker.

The Chinese film industry requires every actor to keep grinding in order to stay relevant.

Fear is a motivator for the top Chinese film talent.

Different motivations between Western and Eastern production crews, idealism vs making the most amount of money.

Telling the stories of people who are not usually represented as well as hearing audience reactions inspires Feng to continue creating.

Feng's bits of advice to everyone:

1. Never apologize for being who you are.

2. Make some time for yourself.

LANGUAGE CORNER

Young - Taiwanese: - lí-hó-bò  - 你好否? - How are you?

Yin - Japanese slang: nan ba shiyo tto? - What are you up to?

Feng - Wuxi dialect: ho che ma - 好吃嗎？ - Tastes good?

Aaron - tagalog: anong balita - What's new?

Optional Drinking Games:

Take a shot or sip of your favorite beverage (alcoholic/non-alcoholic):

1. For every Feng humble brag.

2. For every time Young stutters for fear of embarrassment of what he's about to say.

The films of James Z. Feng:

click picture for iTunes link

Dan and James discuss past/future dates, car troubles, inevitable death and the nature of talent and effort. Also...

Busy periods for Chinese Restaurants - Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year's, Mother's Day.

James recaps his second date with the white girl with Yellow Fever. The girl turns out to be very particular and wants to have the guy pay for everything. 

James has a better date later with an Eastern European girl; there's hope for a second date.

There are places in Koreatown where you can rent a room to watch movies.

Applying Tai-Chi push hands principles in social interactions and all facets of life.

GHOST TEXTS Segment: Assessing James' texting skill.

Dating single moms.

James' last car was trying to kill him with the smell of burned oil from the engine.

Yin and Young debate pure effort versus being gifted with natural talent to get to the 99th percentile in any given activity. They reference scientific research and anime as evidence.

LANGUAGE CORNER

Young - Taiwanese - 歹勢 - pai sei - sorry, excuse me

Yin - Japanese - すまん - suman - sorry/excuse me (more slang Japanese)

RELATED LINKS/TOPICS:

Aziz Ansari's "Modern Romance"

Josh Waitzkin's "The Art of Learning"

Tim Ferriss's Blog

Rarámuri people (Mexican tribe of ultra runners)