REWIND: They Call Us The Most Asian Costco

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this rewind episode, we dip back into the archives and revisit our 2024 conversation with friend, journalist and fellow podcaster Ada Tseng about her Los Angeles Times piece which asked and answered a very important question: Which are the "most Asian" Costcos in Southern California? We discuss why the wholesale chain holds a particular appeal for Asian American shoppers, the specialty items you can only find at the Most Asian Costcos, and the spiritual journey of purchasing Kirkland clothing. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Costco.

They Call Us Ji-young Yoo

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome actress Ji-young Yoo, star of Freaky Tales and Expats. She talks about the cathartic act of fictionally beating the crap out of some Nazis; capturing the specific fun and weird ("Bay shit") vibes of 1987 Oakland, from her punk wig to nailing the accent in Freaky Tales; feeling a sense of belonging in Hong Kong and acting toe-to-toe with the likes of Nicole Kidman for her breakthrough role in Expats; and how her career journey may or may not include going back to take those two last credits to finish college. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Freaky Tales.

They Call Us Vicki Tan

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome Vicki Tan, digital product designer and author of Ask This Book a Question: An Interactive Journey to Find Wisdom for Life's Big and Little Decisions, a one-of-a-kind guide to smarter decision-making based in the science of cognitive bias and the wisdom of storytelling. Vicki shares her journey of writing the book, the significance of diversity in storytelling, and how her background in product design informs her approach to helping others navigate life's big and small questions -- including that immediate, persistent question: what should we have for dinner tonight? (Answer: mapo tofu, of course.)

They Call Us Scam Factory

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we discuss the evil, manipulative, and highly organized world of online scams with journalists Nelson Wang, who became the target of a "pig butchering" crypto scam, and Denise Chan, host of the Wondery podcast Scam Factory, which exposes the brutal reality behind these ripoff operations. There's a scam for everybody. They talk about the increasingly creative and sophisticated ways that scammers prey on their victims, how that scammer on the other side might actually be a victim of a scam themselves—trafficked and trapped—and the bizarre corporate infrastructure behind some of these scam factories. Pizza party!

They Call Us Stephen Park

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome veteran actor Stephen Park, who discusses his iconic roles in projects like Do the Right Thing, Fargo, and In Living Color; the racist incident on the set of Friends that inspired his viral 1997 mission statement on Asian American representation in Hollywood; the ongoing challenges he's faced as a person of color in the industry; and a reconciliation of sorts with his own Korean identity, thanks to working with cool directors like Bong Joon-ho. Also: the unintended complexities of being known as Steve versus Stephen.

They Call Us Asif Ali

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome comedian and actor Asif Ali, star of the Hulu crime comedy series Deli Boys. We discuss evolution of South Asian roles from stereotypes to complex characters, and how the show puts a chaotic, hilarious twist on the mini-mart narrative. Asif talks about his professional journey in comedy, how he had to create his own opportunities (including some not-entirely-truthful hustling by his manager, aka his brother), and why it's okay to NOT be chill about seeing yourself on a billboard. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Deli Boys.

They Call Us Dustin Nguyen

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome veteran actor Dustin Nguyen, star of the indie crime drama The Accidental Getaway Driver, a uniquely Vietnamese American story -- inspired by true events -- surprisingly told as a humanistic character study. He talks about the rage, hurt and loneliness of his character; his decades-spanning career journey and the evolution of his roles in Hollywood, from 21 Jump Street to V.I.P.; and his transition to filmmaking in Vietnam (and back). Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Accidental Getaway Driver.

They Call Us Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome diversity advocates and experts Mia Ives-Rublee and Sumi Pendakur to discuss the impact of the current political climate on Asian American activism and identity. They talk about the importance of diversity in higher education in shaping identities and worldviews, the assault on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the wake of Trump's executive orders, the challenges of leadership in uncertain times, and the alarming normalization of extremist ideologies. Also: pre-emptive chickenshit, Nazi salutes, and dangerous dumplings.

They Call Us Sanjay Shah and Jude Weng

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we continue our celebration of Fresh Off the Boat's 10th anniversary and welcome writer Sanjay Shah (Everybody Still Hates Chris, Dream Productions, Central Park) and director Jude Weng (Finding Ohana, The Good Place, Only Murders in the Building) -- key creatives involved in the making of the groundbreaking series. They look back at the impact of the show on their careers, some of the challenges and critiques they faces during production, and the importance of storytelling from an Asian American perspective. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Fresh Off the Boat.

They Call Us Hudson Yang

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fresh Off the Boat with series star Hudson Yang (who also happens to be Jeff's son). They reflect on the show's impact on their family, Hudson's journey from childhood aspirations to landing a lead role, and the significance of the show in reshaping narratives around Asian Americans in media. They look back at the audition process, the challenges of navigating fame and public scrutiny as a child actor, and the lasting (and perhaps unsung) legacy of the series. Also: that time Hudson almost got fired from Fresh Off the Boat before it even got started.

They Call Us Parents in the Year of the Snake

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this speical Lunar New Year episode, we welcome fellow Potluck Podcast pals -- and fellow parents -- Ada Tseng (Saturday School), Joanna Lee (Sound and Fury, The Korean Drama Podcast), and Marvin Yueh (Books and Boba, Good Pop) to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of Marvin's twins while discussing the unique challenges of Asian American parenting. They explore the importance of cultural representation in children's media, the significance of language and heritage, and the realities of sleep deprivation and collaborative parenting strategies.

They Call Us Birthright Citizenship

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome Eileen Chow, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Duke University's Asian/Pacific Studies Institute, and Ava Chin, CUNY professor and author of Mott Street: A Chinese American Family's Story of Exclusion and Homecoming, to talk about birthright citizenship, a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, now under attack (again) by the Trump administration. We talk about our anger in this moment, who is really under attack -- not rich white folks! -- in this latest attempt to revoke birthright citizenship, the landmark precedent set by United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and why the lessons of history must be constantly learned and re-learned.

They Call Us Los Angeles Wildfires

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome our friends, author/podcaster R Scott Okamoto and filmmaker/professor Renee Tajima-Pena, to share their reflections on the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of greater Los Angeles. Scott shares about the terrifying experience of evacuating from the approaching inferno, while Renee scrambled (and dodged road closures) to save her family's treasures and traditions. The discuss the profound loss for the history and community of Altadena and the incredible heart in Los Angeles's response to this moment.

They Call Us Extremely Unique Dynamic

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, the directors/writers/producers/stars of Extremely Unique Dynamic, a "Meta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-of-Age-Bromantic Dramedy" about two best friends who decide to make a movie... about two guys making a movie... about two guys making a movie. They talk about making a buddy narrative to showcase their friendship and talent, how they managed to sneak in a celebrity cameo from Hudson Yang (as himself!) and the unanticipated low-budget/high-effort costs when you make an indie project. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Extremely Unique Dynamic.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Friend of Foe: S2 E7

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.

In the Season 2 finale, an explosive fight ignites between the remaining players and the game's architects. Kiera and I are joined by special guest Jason Concepcion to unpack the episode's most shocking moments, from Gi-hun's bloody "special game" revolt, to Player 001's masterclass in deception -- and ask: Can Gi-hun's heroism withstand the crushing weight of sacrifice? Plus, Phil and Kiera share their theories, reflections, and predictions for what Season 3 could bring.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - O X: S2 E6

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 6 before listening on.

In episode six, Kiera and I dive into the shocking twists of "Round and Round," the carousel game. Special guest Dash Katz from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 joins the conversation to talk survival strategies and share their fiery takes on the season's most dramatic betrayals. Plus, we unpack the game makers' introduction of the O vs. X rivalry and its ripple effects, while delving into the factors that widen this growing divide. And for a much-needed laugh, Kiera and I face off in Chubby Bunny: Gimbap Edition.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - One More Game: S2 E5

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 5 before listening on.

In episode five, the surviving players rally together after an inspiring finish to the Six-Legged Pentathlon, only to face a pivotal vote: split the cash and leave now, or risk their lives in hopes of winning more? Kiera and I are joined by special guests Trey Plutnicki and LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki from Squid Game: The Challenge S1 to reflect on chosen family -- and the remarkable women of the games who rise to the occasion.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Six Legs: S2 E4

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 4 before listening on.

In episode four, alliances are formed as players are thrown into their first team game. Kiera and I unpack the heart-pounding moments as Gi-hun reluctantly steps into the role of leader as the players face a grueling six-legged pentathlon that demands far more than brute strength to survive. Meanwhile, Pink Guard 011 grapples with her own complex morality, further blurring the lines between mercy and brutality. We'll explore the unexpected strength of the "misfits" team, while Detective Jun-ho's rescue mission takes a darker turn. It all raises the pressing question: How far up the chain of command do the games truly go? Finally, Kiera and I try our hand at Gonggi, a classic Korean schoolyard game inspired by this episode, and my mom joins in to share her take on Season 2!

They Call Us Squid Game Season 2

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome back the crew — Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos — to discuss season two of the global sensation Squid Game, which is officially Netflix's most watched show ever. In what is quite possibly this podcast's longest episode ever, they discuss the return and evolution of some fan-favorite characters, their least favorite new characters, the biggest new twists in the deadly game, and whether or not Gong Yoo gets worthwhile screen time in his return as the mysterious Recruiter. And of course: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Squid Game Season 2.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - 001: S2 E3

There's no stopping the game.

Squid Game is back! Season two of the worldwide phenomenon has dropped, and I'm pleased to share that I'm back as host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Join me and co-host Kiera Please as we suit up and dive into each episode of Squid Game season two. Along with a lineup of special guests, we'll unpack the deadly new challenges, explore the layered characters, and debate the moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning everything.

Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 2 Episode 3 before listening on.

In episode three, Kiera and I break down "001," with special guest Heidi Wong—poet, writer, and horror fanatic. We dive into the complex morality of the players, and debate which players we're rooting for... and who we'd love to see lose. (Hint: "Señorita!") Finally, Heidi and Phil face off in a chaotic one-on-one battle of Sikhye Pong -- powered by the sweet, traditional Korean rice drink.