Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Halloween Party: S2 E2

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 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).

They Call Us Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld

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 showrunner/producer Echo Wu and writer Jade Chang, key creatives behind the Netflix animated series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld, starring Ali Wong. They talk about creating a uniquely Asian American young adult action/horror/supernatural family drama; melding Asian mythology and folklore with contemporary youth culture (complete with a playlist) to tell a multi-layered story; and how to keep your cool (and failing miserably) while working with a K-pop idol. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Bread and Lottery Tickets: S2 E1

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 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.

They Call Us Ronny Chieng

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 Ronny Chieng to discuss his latest Netflix special Love to Hate It. He talks about his efforts to harvest his wife's eggs (with no medical training whatsoever), the frustrating susceptibility of baby boomers to internet scams, his near-decade-long tenure as a correspondent on The Daily Show, and why the only career move he's concerned with is crafting the next joke. Plus: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Love to Hate It.

They Call Us The Last of the Sea Women

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 filmmaker Sue Kim, director/producer of The Last of the Sea Women, a documentary about the haenyeo, a fierce community of South Korean divers fighting the save their vanishing culture from looming threats. She talks about her lifelong fascination with this "badass girl gang," her drive to tell the stories of unique subcultures like Korea's mermaids and competitive Rubik's cube solvers, and how to film a documentary about free divers when you're actually not a very good swimmer. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making The Last of the Sea Women.

They Call Us A Great Divide

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 filmmaker Jean Shim and actress Jae Suh Park, director and star of the independent drama A Great Divide -- also co-written and produced by our very own Jeff Yang. They talk about making a movie inspired by the contemporary backdrop of anti-Asian hate, the personal experiences with racism and xenophobia that informed the film's story and characters, the quirks and challenges of shooting in the wilds of Wyoming, and why it's convenient to have a doctor on set -- especially if that doctor is Ken Jeong. Also: a special bonus edition of "Pass, Fail, Incomplete, and Fail," sponsored by McDonald's APA Next.

They Call Us Interior Chinatown

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 writer Charles Yu, showrunner/executive producer of the Hulu series Interior Chinatown, adapted from his award-winning novel of the same name. We discuss the challenges of taking a somewhat indescribable and seemingly un-adaptable book and adapting it into a 10-episode prestige series; how Interior Chinatown is actually like Pokemon; and the fun of deconstructing the TV tropes of the police procedural "Chinatown Episode."

They Call Us Thanksgiving 2024

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 talk turkey in our semi-traditional annual observation of Thanksgiving, and welcome comedians Joe Wong and Sierra Katow to talk comedy, careers and these troubled times. They talk about everything from coming very different -- parentally-supported versus culturally nonexistent -- standup traditions, the stereotypes that still hound them, and the future (or perhaps lack thereof) of our democracy. Also, a very special Thanksgiving edition of The Good, The Bad, and The WTF.

They Call Us Shōgun

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 co-creator/executive producer Rachel Kondo and writer/co-executive prodicer Shannon Goss of Shōgun, now one of the most acclaimed television shows of all time. They talk about setting out to re-adapt the original novel with a different, shifted perspective, the complicated multi-step script-to-screen process of translating the show from English to Japanese and back, and getting the band back together to write another season. Also: a healing moment, a magical falcon, Zombieko, and The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of making Shōgun.

They Call Us David Henry Hwang

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 special live episode, Jeff (minus Phil) talks to acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang about his trailblazing work, including Yellow Face, currently on Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre. He talks about the mind-boggling play-within-a-play inception of Yellow Face, what it's like to write a version of yourself ("DHH") into your show -- played by Daniel Dae Kim, no less -- and why his work seems to keep meeting the political moment. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being David Henry Hwang.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Michelle Au

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 Dr. Michelle Au, who represents District 50 in the Georgia House of Representatives. She talks about her journey from medicine into politics -- from anesthesiologist to the first Asian American elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2020 -- how she's navigated some of the electoral shenanigans of her rapidly changing district, and the power of the Asian American vote in her swing state of Georgia during this extremely important and consequential presidential election.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Dave Min For Congress

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 law professor and California state senator Dave Min, who is running for U.S. Congress in California's 47th district. He talks about why he made the decision to step into this critical race, the unique characteristics and shifting demographics of his traditionally conservative district, and some of the blatant (and sadly, unsurprising) anti-Asian racism his campaign has faced. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of running for Congress.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - The Grim Finale - Rewatch S1 Eps 7-9

Get back in the game.

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.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us The Future of Our Former Democracy

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 George Cheung, Director of More Equitable Democracy and co-host of the podcast The Future of Our Former Democracy, which asks an important question for our anxious times: Why does American democracy suck right now? George argues that there's a major underlying issue: the polarizing winner-take-all electoral system. He talks about what it could look like if the United States dismantled its current electoral system and rebuilt a proportional representation system to save our democracy. BONUS: After the episode, keep listening to hear the first episode of The Future of Our Former Democracy.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Gganbu Gone Wrong - Rewatch S1 Eps 4-6

Get back in the game.

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.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Culinary Class Wars

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.

Squid Game: The Official Podcast - Debt, Desperation, and the Deadly Games - Rewatch S1 Episodes 1-3

Get back in the game.

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.

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Daniel Dae Kim

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 old friend, the one and only Daniel Dae Kim, who stars on Broadway in David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face. He talks about the play's brilliant, meta-comic exploration of race, representation and identity, his uniquely ascendant career as an actor, producer and advocate, and the twentieth anniversary of the role that changed everything for him: Jin on Lost. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of being "DDK."

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us Chef Edward Lee

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 award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Edward Lee, who appears as one of the "White Spoon" chefs on Netflix's Korean cooking competition show Culinary Class Wars. He talks about his personal and professional journey as a Korean American chef, how he got recruited to battle it out with 99 other Korean culinary professionals -- including Michelin star chefs, the "Bibimbap King," and the chicken mask guy -- and his ideas on the evolution and future of Korean cuisine. Also: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of competing on Culinary Class Wars..

They Call Us Bruce: They Call Us AfrAId

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 old friend Dino-Ray Ramos to discuss the techno-horror movie AfrAId, starring John Cho. We talk about John Cho's suburban dad thriller era and why it might not be a great idea to surrender every aspect of your family life to artificial intelligence (i.e. it might subscribe you to a meal prep delivery service). Also -- spoiler warning -- The Good, The Bad, and The WTF of AfrAId. .