Squid Game is back! The third and final season 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 break down every shocking twist and betrayal, and the choices that will determine who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Alongside creators, cultural critics, and viral internet voices, we'll provide our own theories for how the season ends, and what Squid Game ultimately reveals about power, sacrifice, and the systems that shape us.
Spoiler alert! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 3 before listening on.
In Season 3, Episode 3, "It's Not Your Fault," we react to one of the season's most devastating twists, the newborn baby's forced induction into the Game and Player 456's newfound purpose. Plus, we break down the backstory of our favorite creepy dolls: Young-hee and Chul-su and their role in Korean education. Then, special guest Philip Wang of Wong Fu Productions joins to talk about the show's evolving definition of family -- and what it means when even the heroes have blood on their hands. Plus, we face off in a morally impossible round of "The Lesser Evil" -- because sometimes, there are no right answers.
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 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 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 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!
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.
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 2 before listening on.
In episode two, Gi-hun teams up with Detective Jun-ho for a high-stakes Halloween mission. Kiera and I are joined by special guest Jaeki Cho (Founder of Righteous Eats) to discuss Gi-hun's dramatic transformation from Season 1 to Season 2, analyze the Front Man's unsettling worldview, and delve into the origin story of No-eul, a North Korean defector whose haunting past drives her to a pivotal—and chilling—decision. Plus, Jaeki faces off with Kiera in a high-stakes game of Rock, Paper, Scissors (with a Squid Game twist).
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 1 before listening on.
In the season two premiere, Player 456 returns with a vengeance, leading a covert manhunt for the Recruiter. We dive into Gi-hun's transformation from victim to vigilante, the Recruiter's twisted philosophy on fairness, and the dark experiments that continue to haunt the Squid Game. Plus, we touch on the new characters, the enduring trauma of old ones, and Kiera and I go head-to-head in a game of Ddakjji. Finally, our resident mortician, Lauren Bowser is back to drop more truth bombs on all things death.
Fellow Squid Game fans! I'm excited to share that I'm the host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Each episode, join me and some special guests as we suit up and re-live the first season of the international phenomenon, and get you good and hyped for Season 2, which will premiere later this year. We hope to be the perfect companion to your season one re-watch.
In our latest episode, "The Grim Finale," I'm joined by cosplayer and Squid Game superfan Kiera Please as we relive the thrilling conclusion of Season 1. From the terrifying glass bridge challenge to the intense final showdown between Gi-hun and Sang-woo, and the shocking twist that reveals the masterminds behind the games, we break down the aftermath and analyze the twisted worldview of those responsible for creating the deadly competition. Also, once again, a call with my mom.
Fellow Squid Game fans! I'm excited to share that I'm the host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Each episode, join me and some special guests as we suit up and re-live the first season of the international phenomenon, and get you good and hyped for Season 2, which will premiere later this year. We hope to be the perfect companion to your season one re-watch.
In our latest episode, "Gganbu Gone Wrong," I'm joined by iconic comedian and actor Margaret Cho. We break down episodes 4,5 and 6 of Squid Game, taking a deep dive into the brutal tug-of-war game, the heart-wrenching marbles showdown, and the dark twists of organ trafficking, all while exploring deeper themes of Korean culture. Plus, we talk to an actual professional mortician to shed light on the grisly reality of organ harvesting. Also, a call with my mom.
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 follow up and welcome back chef Edward Lee -- just two episodes later -- fresh off the finale of the Netflix cooking competition Culinary Class Wars. Spoiler alert! He talks about his grueling journey to the final challenge, including the Endless Cooking Hell, his unexpected new nickname, that incredible dessert dish, and how his cooking throughout the entire show told a personal story about his Korean American identity. Also: Jeff and Phil offer The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of Culinary Class Wars.
Fellow Squid Game fans! I'm excited to share that I'm the host of Squid Game: The Official Podcast, from Netflix and Mash-Up Americans. Each episode, join me and some special guests as we suit up and re-live the first season of the international phenomenon, and get you good and hyped for Season 2, which will premiere later this year. We hope to be the perfect companion to your season one re-watch.
In our premiere episode, "Debt, Desperation, and the Deadly Games," I'm joined by rapper, actor and K-town legend Jonnie Park, aka Dumbfoundead. We take a deep dive into the first three episodes of Squid Game, breaking down the characters, themes and challenges, from Red Light, Green Light to Dalgona. We also face off in a (not-so-deadly) game of our own. Plus, a call with my mom.
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 Bruce Crew, perennial favorite guests Rebecca Sun of The Hollywood Reporter and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to slice, dice and discuss the Netflix series Beef. They talk about the evolution and future of Asian American storytelling, the seductive appeal of the worship leader oppa, and what happens when Asian American character are allowed to be their whole, messy, specific selves. Also, stick around for the bonus SPOILER discussion at the end of the episode.
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 Kevin Tancheroen, executive producer and director of the Netflix series Thai Cave Rescue, which tells the true story of the global rescue effort to save twelve young boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave. He talks about shooting in absurdly wet conditions, reconnecting with his own Thai roots, and prioritizing the soccer team (and the people of Thailand) at the center of this extraordinary story.
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 friend and filmmaker Tanuj Chopra, who directed season two of the Netflix series Delhi Crime. He talks about making the leap from indie films to international television, bringing an insider/outsider perspective to get the tone right, and the future of global storytelling.
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 Arden Cho, star of Partner Track, and Helen Wan, author of the original book that inspired the Netflix series. They discuss Helen's real-life career as a corporate attorney that inspired the novel, how Ingrid Yung became Ingrid Yun, and the convergence of timing and talent that finally made this adaptation possible. This episode is paid for by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Find boosters near you at vaccines.gov.
Maurene Goo's young adult novel is described as 'Roman Holiday' meets 'Before Sunrise.'
Netflix has picked up the film rights to Maurene Goo's young adult novel Somewhere Only We Know, a romantic comedy set in the world of K-pop. Adapted by writer Lana Cho, the story is described as Roman Holiday meets Before Sunrise, following a massive K-pop star and a tabloid photographer as they wander through the neon streets of Hong Kong, finding both adventure and love.
And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America.
Suspect Identified in Hate Crimes Assault of Elderly Man in Vancouver
Police say they have identified a suspect, based on numerous tips from the public, in the hate-crime assault of a 92-year-old Asian man in Vancouver. No word if an arrest has been made yet. On March 13, the elderly victim, who suffers from severe dementia, wandered into a convenience store and the suspect began yelling racist remarks at him, including comments about COVID-19. Once outside the store, the suspect shoved the man, which caused him to fall and hit his head. The suspect then fled before police arrived. Here's hoping they catch this piece of garbage and nail his ass.
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Surprise, Surprise. Trump's New HHS Spokesman Tweeted Racist Shit
And literally nobody is shocked to learn that Michael Caputo, the new spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, made racist and derogatory comments about Chinese people, among other things, in a series of now-deleted tweets. Caputo, a longtime New York Republican political operative who worked on Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, remarked that "millions of Chinese suck the blood out of rabid bats as an appetizer and eat the ass out of anteaters." He followed up at another user, "Don't you have a bat to eat?" and tweeted at another user, "You're very convincing, Wang." Seems like he'll fit in quite well with this administration.
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The Loh Down on Science: Special Pandemic Edition
=Hosted by Sandra Tsing Loh, The Loh Down on Science is a daily radio “minute” (90 seconds) of humorous yet informative current science. In light of recent events -- you know, the deadly global pandemic thing -- they're launching a limited radio/podcast series called The Loh Down on Science: Special Pandemic Edition, featuring three-minute family friendly radio/podcast/audio modules covering a range of pandemic science. Topics will include: The science of herd immunity. The wonders of soap. The curious story of Lady Montagu, English aristocrat and early vaccine adopter. Could a mad scientist create a virus in a lab? (Well, not a very good one.) Why are our house cats going nuts? The surprising healing powers of copper. Can you harness your home computer, when you're sleeping, to join an army of computers crunching data to find COVID-19’s Achilles Heel? Hint: Yes! It's been done to solve Ebola!
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Hollywood
What if you could rewrite the story? The new Netflix limited series Hollywood follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood as they try to make it in Tinseltown -- no matter the cost. Each character offers a unique glimpse behind the gilded curtain of Hollywood's Golden Age, spotlighting the unfair systems and biases across race, gender and sexuality that continue to this day. Darren Criss stars as a white-passing biracial Filipino American director, while Michelle Krusiec guest stars as real-life Chinese American screen icon Anna May Wong. The series premieres May 1 on Netflix.
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Family Meal: A Virtual Dinner Party and Conversation
On May 1, I'll be participating in a fun little live event with some cool folks to help kick off AAPI Heritage Month. Seed & Spark presents Family Meal: A Virtual Dinner Party and Conversation. We've brought together a group of Asian American podcasters to have a frank conversation on anti-Asian racism in the time of COVID, while we eat our favorite dish. Participants will include Jeff Yang, Dino-Ray Ramos, Rebecca Sun, Taz Ahmed and myself. It's happening Friday, May 1 at 8pm PT/11pm ET. For more details, go here.
Standup special 'Asian Comedian Destroys America' premieres December 17 on Netflix.
Your destruction is imminent, America. And your doom comes at the hands of Ronny Chieng. The Daily Show correspondent and Crazy Rich Asians star -- and self-described "standup's most ruthless comedian" -- drops his new Netflix special Asian Comedian Destroys America later this month. Here's the trailer, which promises a "comedy event that will decimate American society." I, for one, welcome said destruction.
Ali Wong and Randall Park's romantic comedy is now playing in select theater before hitting Netflix on May 31.
At long last! The romantic comedy Always Be My Maybe, starring Randall Park and Ali Wong, hits select theaters in ten cities today, May 29, before dropping on Netflix everywhere this Friday, May 31.
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, and co-written by Park, Wong and Michael Golamco, Always Be My Maybe centers on Sasha and Marcus, childhood best friends who have a falling out. Reuniting fifteen years later, Sasha is now a successful celebrity chef opening a restaurant in San Francisco while Marcus is a happily struggling musician still living at home with his dad. The old sparks are still there but can they adapt to each other's world?
